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
1988.20.5a, b
Image and text © Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2019
Where you'll find this
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Permanent collection