Minneapolis Institute of Art

He wine vessel

China

Date

11th-10th century BCE

Medium

Bronze

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

The he is an early type of wine container that first appeared during the Erlitou period (17th century bce). By the late Shang dynasty (c. 1300–1046 bce), its form had developed into a vessel like this one, with a bulging body, narrow neck, and spout, supported by three cylindrical legs. An inscription records that it was cast by “Shi” in honor of his father, “Gui.” The scale-like decoration reflects a stylistic shift from taotie masks to more abstract patterns. China, Asia

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