Zun wine vessel with cloud pattern and gold inlay, Han dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE)-China Archive

Image Number:C1A001120N000000000PAB
Dynasty:Han dynamics
Category:Bronzes
Function:Wine container
Material:Mineral/metal/bronze
Description:
The cylinder body is connected with three hoofed feet. The body is inlaid with gold and silver pieces with a large area of linked cloud and thunder patterns. From the cloud and thunder patterns on the surface of this piece, it seems that there are still round dragon eyes. The linked cloud and thunder patterns popular from the Warring States Period to the Western Han Dynasty are actually the result of abstract deformation of the coiled dragon pattern. Similar deformed coiled dragon patterns are also very popular on Chu tomb lacquerware in the late Warring States Period. “Zun” is a container for holding wine or warming wine. The lower part is often equipped with a bearing plate for use. It appeared in the late Warring States Period and was largely used in the Han Dynasty. It was originally made of wood. Later, those with high status made it of copper. If this piece is inlaid with magnificent gold and silver on the surface, it should be a luxury used by the nobles in daily life, reflecting the wealth and enjoyment of the upper class