Tsu Yi tsun

Early Western Chou dynasty, ca. 11th century B.C.
Height: 34.5 cm Mouth diameter: 252 cm Weight: 5725 g

The cylindrical body of this tsun is divided horizontally into a slightly flared foot, a swelling midsection, and a widely flaring mouth; the vertical divisions are made by four sets of powerful flanges that extend beyond the rim to end in massive architectonic projections. The midsection and foot are decorated with animal masks in high relief, those on the midsection have large ears and horns projecting far beyond the vessel surface to give a strongly sculptural effect. The inscription of six characters on the bottom of the interior translates as "Precious vessel made for Ancestor Yi."

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