Title: Wine Vessel, Fangyi
Location: China
Period: Anyang Period
Date: 12th Century BC
Culture: Shang Dynasty
Medium: Cast Bronze
Dimensions: H. 11 3/8 in. (28.9 cm), W. 7 1/2 in. (19.1 cm), Diam. 6 1/2 in. (16.5 cm), Weight 6 kg 712g – Measurements taken by Cincinnati Art Museum.
Repository: Cincinnati Art Museum
Image Description: Made of cast bronze, this 12th Century Wine Vessel stands at nearly a foot tall with about half a foot in width and diameter. It’s once shiny, copper colored coat, has been stained with age as it is now oxidized with a rustic patina finish. The vessel itself is carved with beautiful, symmetric, and meticulous detail. Further, the mid section of the vessel looks to have etched and elaborated eyes, as though they are sitting behind a mask. The top of the piece, which would be lifted and removed to pour the wine, shares a similarly detailed set of eyes. The bottom most section of the piece shares the same theme of symmetry, but instead of eyes it appears to be two animalistic engravings. The animal could appear to be the head of a dragon, a dog, a sheep, or something of that nature. It is likely that this vessel, and many other bronze ones like it, had been used by Shang Dynasty Aristocrats, in ritual ancestral worship. It was believed that having ceremonial offerings, such as wine from this vessel, would help one’s ancestors look back down on one’s family, helping to maintain prominence and power. It may be inferred that this is why there are so many eyes, and the faces of animals, adorned across the walls of this vessel.
Photo Credit: Cincinnati Art Museum
References:
https://www.cincinnatiartmuseum.org/art/explore-the-collection?id=11911825
https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/wine-vessel-fangyi-unknown/dgEcrN6coTc0_A
