Artwork Page for Wine Vessel (Jia)

Details / Information for Wine Vessel (Jia)

Wine Vessel (Jia)

c. 1700–1500 BCE

China, probably Henan province, Erlitou culture

(c. 1900–1500 BCE)
Medium
bronze
Measurements
Overall: 24 cm (9 7/16 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1989.150
Public Domain
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Location
241A Arts of Ancient China
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Description

This wine-warming vessel, known as jia, is the earliest example of a Chinese bronze vessel in the museum collection. It reveals an already sophisticated bronze casting technology that would serve as the foundation for the later vigorous artistic developments of the Shang civilization. The use of bronze was a major turning point of the Chinese civilization. Bronze metallurgy flourished alongside other major developments in ancient China including cities, specialized craftsmanship, stratified social classes, and the invention of writing.
A bronze tripod vessel features a bulbous body supported by three long, tapered legs, its wide rim flared and topped by two rectangular posts. A curved handle attaches to the left side. An incised band of geometric diamond patterns wraps the center of the dark gray surface, while patches of light green and tan oxidation create an uneven, weathered texture across the metal.

Wine Vessel (Jia)

c. 1700–1500 BCE

China, probably Henan province, Erlitou culture (c. 1900–1500 BCE)

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