Minneapolis Institute of Art

Xu food vessel, one of a pair

China

Date

early 9th century BCE

Medium

Bronze

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

These rare vessels reflect a fundamental change in form and decor in bronze casting around 900 to 700 bce. Gone are the masks, vibrant animal motifs, and spiral background patterns of Shang and earlier Zhou vessels. In their place is an austere, totally abstract patterning composed of horizontal flutes and “wave” and “shield” bands. The heavy, squat form, as well as the non-symbolic decoration, epitomizes the so-called Western Zhou style. Identical inscriptions cast into the lids and cauldrons of both vessels read: Boxian has made this sacrificial xu vessel; may one forever treasure and use it. China, Asia

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