Description
Chinese archaistic, enamel decorated, bronze ritual wine vessel (You) in the manner of the early Western Zhou dynasty.
The lidded bronze vessel of pear form cast with flanges on a flaring base has an enameled swing handle terminating in animal masks. It has an incised inscription on the interior of the base. There is some flaking on the underside of the main body above the base. Approximately 15″ high, 11″ wide with handle. Chinese ritual wine vessels were used in offerings of food and drink to ancestors in family temples, ceremonial halls or at ritual banquets in which living and deceased members participated. They were eventually buried with the owner so he could continue to pay his respects in the after life.
