Bird-Shaped Container (zun). 1200 BC–1046 BC. China. Bronze Animal-shaped vessels are the rarest of all Shang ritual bronzes. This creature is a fascinating blend of alert poise and solemn dignity. Whereas the scaled pattern on the neck and tail of this bird suggests feathers, other details are fantastic rather than anatomical. A dragon in profile and a coiled serpent embellish each wing; monster masks crown the head as well as the removable lid on the bird’s back.

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Size: 3000px × 3000px
Photo credit: © WBC ART / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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