Owl-Shaped Wine Vessel (Zun), 13th–11th century , Bronze, 8 1/8 × 3 7/8 in. ( × cm), This zun, or wine vessel, is cast in the shape of an owl whose head forms a removable lid. A scaled snake with a tiger’s head forms the pinion of each wing. The snake’s body outlines the curve of the wings, which terminate in a clawed and plumed bird. On the breast is another composite creature made up of a cicada’s body with a bovine head capped with horns in the shape of two small dragons. The owl as both a night bird and a bird of prey was a symbol of death and ill omen in later Chinese folk

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Size: 3320px × 4992px
Location:
Photo credit: © Artokoloro / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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