Object Image

西周 青銅壺

As the Shang animal mask lost its symbolic meaning under the Zhou, it dissolved into an ornamental pattern, as here, where an “eye” is encircled by curving hooked lines.

Credit: Charlotte C. and John C. Weber Collection, Gift of Charlotte C. and John C. Weber through the Live Oak Foundation, 1988...

Late 9th-early 8th century B.C.
Bronze
37.5cm
1988.20.4a, b
Image and text © Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2019

Where you'll find this

The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Permanent collection