Kuei (food vessel) with a pattern of wavy lines
Data
| Period | China, Western Chou dynasty, 10th - 8th century B.C. |
|---|---|
| Materials and techniques | Bronze |
| Size | Overall H.35.1 MD.23.3 |
Explanation
Starting from the Western Zhou dynasty, the food containing vessel, the gui, became grand and dignified in shape, complex and elaborate in decoration. The surface of this gui is covered with a design of repetitious waves which was probably stylized from patterns of mysterious birds, beasts (taotie) and serpents (huilong). The tiger designs are carved on the inside bottom of the vessel and on the reverse side of the lid.