SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION
FREER GALLERY OF ART
WASI'ilNGTON, D. C.
GALLERY BOOK XIX
SMITHSOi^IM Ii^STITUTIOi>J FREER GALLERY OF ART WASHII^GTOx^ 25, D.Co
GALLERY XIX
CtilivlESE ART SHAIslG Ai^D Cx40U DYiUSIIES BROiMZES JADE
Books relating to the subjects discussed in this Gallery Book iiiay be consulted in the Library o Price 35 cents
FLOOR PLAi^ OF GALLERY XIX
J
Doorway
. ,
I I I
Doorway
Descriptions in this Gallery Book follov. ord of objects in Gallery beginning at right of door marked "X" .
CEREiiOi^lIAL BROiMZES
The bronze objects in this gallery date frou the earliest historical periods in China, the ohang and Chou Dynasties^ (Traditional dates: 1766-1122, 1122-249 BoC.). Although traditional Chinese history mentions periods of even greater antiquity ending with a dynasty called Hsia, which was re- putedly overthrown by Shang, these records are purely legend- ary, and are known to us mainly from tne oldest of the sur- viving written histories which was compiled about 100 B.C. I^ot raany years ago, the Shang Dynasty, too, was considered legendary, but the discovery of inscribed fragments of bone that were used for divination, and the study of these inscrip- tions, has, to a large extent, verified the reports of the historian. These documents, though written in archaic script, are the direct ancestors of modern Chinese, and show tiiat the language was already higiily developed. That is, is was in no sense primitive; and just as these texts are evidence of the advanced intellectual capacities of the Shang people, the bronze objects of tnis early period are witness of an elabor- ate and sophisticated material culture. Here, from the earli- est historic era, are bronzes whose technical perfection is not to be outdone by modern bronze casters, and whose ornamen- tation bespeaks a rich spiritual life.
The objects were made by casting molten bronze in various ways. The so-called "lost wax" method was used, as v/as direct casting in clay moulds; and the expert manipulation of these techniques is apparent in the fact that tne great precision and fineness of the surface patterns was executed in this v/ay. Only rarely do we find traces of chiseling, filing, or otherwise working over the completed object with tools. Vi/ith tnis in mind, an examination of the bronzes them- selves is the best way to gain an understanding of the skill of the early Chinese. It should be noted too that the present color of the objects in no way reflects their original appear- ance o It is probable that they were the usual metallic colors, often brass, sometimes silver, and perhaps copper and black, and that this was relieved in some cases by a lacquer or lac- quer-like inlay of black or red. Traces of these materials remain on some vessels » The present rich shades of green, blue, and other colors are the accidental result of chemical action on the metal by the soil in which it has lain buried.
(Cereinonial Bronzes, continued)
In tne matter of the forms of the bronzes, and of the patterns which adorn their surfaces, our knowledge is still extreiaely limited. It is known, for instance, that there were food vessels, wine vessels, water vessels, wea- pons, and musical instruments. The classes are not clearly defined, and much of our present opinion may someday have to be revised. Another point on which v/e are much in the dark, is the names of the various forms. It will be noted that each vessel has a type name, but while these are con- venient for reference, tnere is only incomplete evidence that these names were familiar to the makers of the bronzes. While some of the vessels have their type names inscribed on them, many of the names we use are those given by anti- quarians of much later date.
The surface decoration has been a subject for much study, but the original meaning of the various forms remains un- known, Tne ancient Chinese were greatly impressed by natural phenomena, and the various aspects of nature took their places beside the deceased ancestors as objects of devotion. Yve would call it nature worship. As a general assumption, tnen, it may be said that the many dragon and monster forms, the bugs, fish, animals, birds, lines, spi- rals, and cxi^cles that cover the surfaces of the bronzes in such rich profusion were intended as symbols for the forces of nature of which tne Chinese stood in awe. They were not necessarily meant to depict these forces, for, like other Asiatics, the Chinese did not always seek to make realistic representations of their gods. They were often mere symbols, arbitrarily conceived to suggest the existence and the acti- vity of the powers they saw and felt around them. Thus the makers of the objects put the best of their technical abil- ities to work in the service of their spiritual needs «
One further point should be noted. Many of the bronzes have inscriptions, in characters of archaic form, cast on their surfaces. In tne case of the earlier examples, there may be only one or two characters, and later on they increase in length, occasionally reaching several hundreds. The study of these inscriptions has thrown some light on the history of the early periods, and has revealed something about the immediate purpose of the objects tnemselves. Instead of assuming, as we once did, that the bronzes were made only for burial witn the dead, we now know that this was not the
(Ceremonial Bronzes continued)
case. They were made for ceremonial use by the living. The shorter inscriptions are sometimes mere monograms, or they may indicate that the object was dedicated to a part- icular ancestor to insure his welfare in the hereafter. Some of the longer inscriptions contain material of impor- tant historical interest. They relate events in the lives of kings and lesser officials, describe military conquests, hunting expeditions, royal journeys, etc. Such records generally conclude with dedicatory remarks and the expression of auspicious hopes for the living and the dead alike.
Characteristic Ornament
The apparently infinite number of forms appearing on the bronzes may be considered, to a large extent, as variations of certain basic elements. The principal ones occurring on objects described in this Gallery Book are listed below with some of their Chinese names and brief explanations based on Che present rather limited knowledge of the subject.
Lei-wen "^S^* Translated "thunder pattern", this form consists of small spirals varying from rectangular to circu- lar in shape. It often covers the v/hole surface of vessels, and is also used as body-filling for other elements.
T^ao-t<ieh Jj^^^ . Translated "glutton" or "monster", this name is^pplied to one of the commonest motifs on early bronzes, though the term does not actually occur in Chinese literature until the third century B.C. Its form is that of a face, or mask, seen from the front, and it varies consider- ably in detail. In general two eyes, eye-brows, nostrils, and upper lip appear; though other features are sometimes recognizable. V'/hile it is often clearly defined, there are instances where the details are only suggested, or are par- tially obscured by other forms. Attempts have been made to identify individual examples with tigers, rams, water-buffa- loes, etc., but, for the most part, this is pure guesswork and lacks real authority. It should be noted that the form often consists of the confrontation of two animals seen in profile; and also that it is occasionally shown upside down.
Dra£ons.. One of the most popular motifs all through the his- tory of Chinese art, this form occurs on ancient bronzes in a number of variations. Usually seen in profile, they may have no legs at all, or else two or four; they may have bottle- shaped horns, hooked horns, large ears, or flowing crests, and their nostrils may end in a beak, a snout, or a trunk. Some- times they are shown coiled up, seen either from the side or from the top. These various forms have been extensively classi- fied by the Chinese with different names for each.
Cicada. Vifith the representations of this insect, the bronze decorators come from the field of the fabulous, imaginary beasts to the depiction of actual living creatures. The cicada, or locust, appears in swarms over the Worth China Plain each suminer, and the buzzing noise of these insects is
oue of the liiost cnai'L-C teris t Ic features of tuat season.
Cojiyrie^. Ihis idollnu'^r is native to tiie Iiidibn Ocean, and its shell was known in China froij i\ieollthic tluies , It v.as widely UGecl as aoriey , and, in addition to this, it has long nold an
iiiiportaiit place in C/iineje loi-e as a synibol of fertility.
Silkyv'orrn. The SiAoIj \',or.;i-like creatures on soue of the bronzes nave been tentatively iaentifieu as silkworuis; but this is still uncertain. It is knov.n, nov,ever, that silk was woven in the bntn^ dynasty, and the producer of this valu- able material inay vvell iiave nad sufficient iiiiportance to be used for svinbolic purposes on these cereaiorjial vessels.
Mens ter Masks These are anixxial heads of various kinds, dis- tinguished from tne t *ao-t*ieh in that tney are executed more in the round and have coiaplete mouths instead of just the uppei' lip. They occur on naridles and as handle lugs, or merely as protruding elements of the desi^^n. Several types are noted: those with feline featui*es which iiiay be lions, tigers, or cats; tnose with bovine features which may be bulls, oxen, or water- buffaloes; and those tnat look like rams' heads. Various kinds of horns and teeth appear inter chaiigeably on the different types.
The following drawings illustrate some of the varieties of tiiese designs;
Page 1. Upper thi'ee figures - T*ao-t*ieh .
Bottom - Interlaced dragons.
Pa^e 2.
Top 2nd
3rd
bottom
- T^ao-t^ieh.
Yjater-buf f alo heads at sides; horned dragoii at center .
- T^ao-t^ieh . Feline dragon.
Page 3
Top 2nd 3rd
y^th
Bottom
Bird forms . ti It
Cicada forms . Cicada forms at Fish at center, riare .
;ide
Page 4-0 lop - Dragon forms at sides . ^Center
an elephant witn lei wen fill- ing .
2nd - Dragon forms.
3rd - Dragon form at center. Silk-
worm (?) forms at sides.
Bottom - Coiled dragons.
W.B. iMumbers below figure refer to objects in the collection from which the figures are taken.
38.6
30.^4
41.9
Principal Types of Bronzes,
As was noted above, tnere is mach uncertainty as to the names of the various types of early bronzes; and iQany of those now in use were applied to tne vessels from ten to twenty centuries after tney were laade. Because of tneir convenience for reference, however, a list of terms is given below. Vi/hile it must still be regarded as tentative, it is based on the latest work of Chinese, European and American scholars in the field. Two of the names are worth special men- tion. I. is a term appearing in the inscriptions of many vessels, and simply means "sacrificial vessel". It is not, therefore, applicable to any particular type. The term fanR" i, however, which means "square sacrificial vessel", nas acquired a special meaning through usage, and is now applied only to rectangular vessels, with roof -like covers (cf. 30.54). In the same way, the term tsun, which has a similar general meaning and is used in combination with i in many in- scriptions, has come to have a more specific use. It is now applied not to a single type, but to a large group of vessels including those in animal form that do not, for special reasons, fall into other categories, as well as to large vases of various shapes. Some of the more usual types may be grouped as follows:
Food Vessels.
Li : a tripod whose interior extends well down
' into hollow legs; usually two upright loop
handles on tne rimo
Ting I a round tripod or rectangular four-legged
vessel with solid cylindrical legs, and loop handles upright on the rim. Details of this form vary considerably.
Hsienji ; a steamer formed by a tripod of li type ^ surmounted by a colander with handles.
Kuei (or Chiu) -^y^ : a bov/1 with two or four handles, sometimes with none, resting on tnree or four feet, a hollow rectangular base, or on its own round foot; v/ith or without cover.
Hsfi
a shallow, ovoid, covered dish with handles; projections on cover to serve as legs wnen inverted.
Fu
Ton .2-
a rectangular covered dish with straight, steeply sloping sides; cover almost duplicates body when inverted.
a steiruued vessel with spheroid bowl and cover, and two annular handles; circular projection on cover to serve as foot when inverted.
Wine Vessels.
Tsun^^ : a large vase or jar with flaring lip, round
V or rectangular. Any vessel of zoomorphic de- sign not otherwise classified, (see intro- ductory note) .
Chih A small vase, ovoid in section, usually
I covered.
Yu >^ : a covered jar, ovoid or round in section, with bail handle.
Huo ^^t^ : a covered vessel with spout for pouring. Three
or four legs, or none, various types of handles. Any other vessel witn spout.
Chia"y^y : a round or square vessel with three or four ^ pointed legs; handle on one side and two up- right members on lip; with or without cover.
Chaeh : like above only with long open spout and
lip pointed in back.
: tripod cup with i*
without
ChOeh m (fo rraerly read Chio) : tripod cup with handle, and symrnetrically pointed lip, with or withou
cover .
a slender beaker with wide foot and wider flar- ing lip.
Lei
a large round or square vase ^/vith swelling body usually witn two ring handles; witn or v/itaout cover, iidany variant forms.
a large vase or jar, mucn like above only with widest part of body just below neck.
_ . a squat pitcher elongated from front to back; with cover extending over open spout, handle at back, zoomorphic in form.
Water vessels , Musical instruraents « iaisc I
ceremonial vessels in general, (see intro- ductory note) .
a shallow vessel for pouring water, three or four legs, or none; handle at back; some- times covered. Like our "gravy boat".
^ (sometimes called Hsi ) : a large, deep
basin, usually with two handles. Probably for washing as implied by its alternate name.
: a wide shallow pan with or without handles and feet.
a large, deep vessel with flaring lip, with or without handles. For wine or water »
Chung : a cl&pperless bell to be struck from out- side; ovoid in section, handle on top*
Ko ""^Jj I a weapon consisting of a long dagger-like blade, with a tang at the back for hafting The form varies considerably.
Chi en
P'an"^
a battle axe v^ith a broad blade and a tang at the back for hafting. The form varies considerably.
JADE
The Chinese term jii which we generally translate as "jade", covers a wide variety of stones of corapact structure capable of taking a soft, lustrous polish o The principal types are nephrite and .ladeite, and early jades of the finest quality are usually nephrites. In color these stones range from black to white, with shades of yellow, russet, fawn, brown, gray, green, blue and even purple in between. The source of this mineral as used in ancient China is unknown. It may have been imported, or may have come from local jade deposits now lost or worked out, or from water- worn boulders and pebbles found in the beds of streams.
It is apparent that this mineral was thought to be the most valu- able of all. Indeed it has been said that the ancient Chinese
considered it as the essence of power or virtue /"''^^Nte/rather than as a precious stone. However this may be, it is certain that objects made of jade played a highly important part in ritual observances of all sorts, both religious and secular. We do not knov/ the exact uses for which many of tnese objects were made, but we may fairly conjecture that they fall into four groups as follows :-
lo religious symbols; 2o badges of office; 3. funerary offerings for the dead, known in Chinese as
I^ijig. chli ^ ; 4.0 orxiamental objects.
Attempts have been made to identify the various jade forms witii descriptions appearing in early Chinese texts, and while such identifications are by no means certain we give the following list for the general idea it may convey as to the uses and impor- tance of jade in early Chinese culture:-
1. religious symbols;
(1) the perforated disk*^^ ; sometimes called the symbol of the deity Heaven,
(2) the squared hollow cylinder
tsung ; sometimes called the symbol of the deity Ear the
(3) the "ring" £i, huan-^^^:
soinetimes called the symbol
of the deity Norta. ,
(4) the green tablet, kuei ^ : soraetimes called the symbol of the deity East.
(5) tne red, tablet ("half-kuei") , Chang ; sometimes called the symbol of t/ie deity South.
(6) the tiger tablet hu some- tiiaes called the symbol of the deity West,
(7) rings, flat or roand, used as offerings .
2. Badges of office:
Blades, tablets, and certain forms re- sembling axeheads, chisels, scrapers, etc., which seem to have been derived from earlier Stone Age vveapons and tools, and to have survived as objects of ritual, carried or worn by persons as emblematic of their official rank.
3o Funerary offerings:
May include any of tne above items. Also various amulets to be placed on or in various openings of the corpse, such as the mouth, eyes, umbilicus, etc., as well as garment ornaments of one sort or another, etc,
4.. Ornamental objects:
Necklaces, headdress ornaments, girdle and dress ornaments. Fittings for sv<ords, scabbards, and weapons of var- ious kinds. Tallies, and seals. Carv- ings of animals, fishes, birds, monsters, and insects. All these, however, may also be indicative of rank, etc., or as
offerings or gifts of one kind or another ,
Types of ornaiaentation:
(1) Engraved in line.
(2) Carved in relief. Patterns:
(1) Linear arrangements, as fillets, zig-zag lines, both simple and interlaced, forming lozenges, and scrolls of various kinds in- cluding the so-called "thunder" and "cloud" scrolls.
(2) Animalistic designs, as monster (t ^ao tj_ieh) forms , dragon, cica- da, etc.
(3) A serrated edge ornamentation, of silhouette character. It is peculiar to early Chinese Jades and cannot be explained.
(4) "iiice pattern", — tiny bosses.
We know comparatively little of tne early Chinese culture which produced these objects, but it is safe to say that the broad basis of early Chinese civilization was agricultural, and that the religion was in general animistic, or concerned witn nature worship. Added to this was tne necessity of protecting agricul- tural holdings from incursions of other peoples, and the exten- sion of such holdings by means of excursions against bordering peoples. This necessitated some sort of military establishment. We have therefore three essential factors on which the conduct of the the comiflunity was based; agriculture, religion, and war. These, it seems fair to suppose, gave rise to tne forms of im- plements connected witn governmental and religious ceremonies, and these two were naturally very much inter-mingled. Hence many of the jade forms no doubt represent eitner military or agricul- tural implements made to be used for ceremonial purposes.
The aesthetic appeal of jade persists in China to the present day. It is valued not only for its beauty as a stone which appeals to the eye, but almost equally for its appeal to the touch. It is very hard and thus difficult to work, and the fact that we have both extremely simple, as well as highly ornamented objects of tnis material dating from early times, is an indica- tion of its two-fold appeal.
CASE A
30.26 Ceremonia]. wine vessel of the type Height .509 X width .3^3 m« (20-1/16" x 13-11/16").
Chou dynasty.
The vessel and cover are divided vertically by four thick, heavy flanges with slightly notched sides and large projections. Between these flanges, on the shoulder of the vessel are four long hook-like projections which nave water-buffalo heads in relief on their outer faces and heavy lugs below. Two simi- lar members appear on the short edges of the cover. The oiai'n design consists of birds^of different types in. low relief on grounds of lei-wen; these appear in three registers on the body and two on the cover. The shoulder of the vessel and the top of the cover each carry a broad band of rounded vertical ridges o The knob on the top is made up of six small monster masks back to back. The bail is attached to the neck of tiie vessel by interlocking rings. On the out- side of the joint is a monster mask with large palm- like horns standing up in the round, and in the middle of each is an eye. The outer surface of the bail has dragons and lei -wen interrupted at each upper corner by a bovine mask with water-buffalo horns »
For other varieties of this type, cf* 4-0,11 and 4,2.14..
CASE B
18.20 Squared, hollow cylinder of the type ts*ung of mottled light and dark tan, orange and cream-colored jade; low heavy form; narrow projecting collar at both ends with hollowed areas; decoration; channeled and incised; grooves, bands and circles at corners, .071 m. (2-13/16") in height x .09A m. (3-11/16") in width.
Chou dynasty.
iirticles of this type are sometimes called the symbol of the deity Earth and were for religious and ceremonial use .
16.369 Ceremonial implement of the type kuei ; opaque, moss-green nephrite with minute silvery specks and scattered light tan strata marks; an area of mottled grayish-brown decomposition at tang and a blue-green streak at perforation; long slender tablet with an upper corner chamfered and smoothed depressions near each end on one side. .338 m. (13-5/16") over all.
Shang dynasty.
\
15.108 Ceremonial weapon of the type ko; light gray nephrite w/ith green cast and pale yellow and blue mottlings; blade with beveled sides, tv/o cutting edges and a pointed end; tv/o perfora- ■^■tions in the wide indented tang; decoration: incised and channeled lines on butt and tang. .313 01. (12-3/16") over all.
Shang dynasty.
Articles of this type reflect the original Stone Age weapon or tool which reached its highest development in bronze. It is assumed that the jade form was a purely symbolic object for religious and ceremonial use, perhaps indi- cating the official position and rank of the owner and sometimes buried with him.
15.37 Ceremonial implement of the type kuei.; of mottled dark olive-brown, reddish brown, olive-green and orange nephrite; snort narrow tablet with beveled end and perforated handle; decoration: in sensible relief and channeled; a demon aead on one side, a spread eagle on reverse, triple grooves across handle. .184 ifl. (7-1 A") over all.
Chou dynasty o
16.381 Perforated disc of the type £i of mottled, rich yellow and golden tan jade with veins of white decomposition; one side lighter in color and less incrusted. .156 m. (6-3/16") in diamter.
Chou dynasty.
Articles of this type are sometimes called the symbol of the deity Heaven and v/ere for religious and ceremonial use.
17,95 oquared, hollow cylinder of the type t s * unp. ; tall form with wide projecting collar at both ends; made of nephrite with richly mottled tones of pale to dark brown with traces of green and yellow; decoration: channeled and incised, grooves and corner ridges, cir- cles, linear and meander patterns. .145 x .070 m. (5-11/16" X 2-3/4").
Chou dynasty.
Articles of this type are sometimes called the symbol of the deity Earth and were for religious and ceremonial use c
39.55 Ceremonial implement of semitranslucent , shaded reddish brown and yellow-brown jade v^ith dark mottlingsj cream-colored area of decomposition at end of tang; long slender form v/ith lateral dull edges flaring to a sharp concave edge at end; lateral projection on each side above perfor- ated tang. .411 m. (16-3/16") over all.
Shang dynasty.
This implement seems to reflect some earlier specialized agricultural tool form. It was pro- bably laterally hafted, and bound to the haft by thongs passing through the hole in the tang, un- der the haft on both sides of the blade, and over the chock-like lateral projections. The jade form is of course ceremonial, and may be a badge of office, or a ritualistic implement used in some ceremony reflecting an agricultural rite or practice.
16,491 Ceremonial implement of greenish black nephrite
faintly mottled with lighter tone; blade slightly- concave on both sides; lateral edges flaring to form sharp concave edge at end; prominent lateral projection on each side above perforated tang; longitudinal saw marks and roughly chipped end on tang. .437 mo (17-3/16") over all.
Shang dynasty.
This implement seems to reflect some earlier specialized agricultural tool form. It was pro- bably laterally hafted, and bound to the haft by thongs passing through the hole in the tang, un- der the haft on both sides of the blade ^ and over the chock-like lateral projections , The jade form is of course ceremonial j, and may be a badge of office, or a ritualistic implement used in some ceremony reflecting an agricultural rite or practice.
16.162 Ceremonial implement of translucent, mottled
light and dark bluish-gray jade; very thin; one side slightly convex; lateral edges flaring to sharp concave end with uneven points; one lateral edge partly sharpened; lateral projection on each side above perforated tang; rough longitudinal ridge from irregular sawing on oDverse; reverse has cutting irregularity on handle. .366 ra. (U-7/16") over all.
Shang dynasty.
This implement seems to reflect some earlier specialized agricultural tool form. It was probably laterally hafted, and bound to the haft by thongs passing through the hole in the tang, under the haft on both sides of the blade, and over the chock-like lateral projections. The jade form is of course ceremonial, and may be a badge of office, or a ritualistic implement used in some ceremony reflecting an agricultural rite or practice.
18.23 Perforated disc of the type q± of mottled light and
dark gray jade on one side, reddish brown with yellow spots on the other side; both sides almost covered with chalky white decomposition; proportions irregu- lar. .155 m. (6-1/8") in diameter.
Chou dynasty.
Articles of this type are sometimes called the sym- bol of the deity Heaven and were for religious and ceremonial use.
17,63 Squared hollow cylinder of the type ts^ung in mottled
shades of medium green nephrite with some brown; partly covered with grayish incipient disintegration; tall form with wide projecting collar at both ends; decora- tion: channeled and incised; corner ridges and grooves; surface worn smooth. .17$ m. (6-7/8") in height x .077 m. (3") in width.
Chou dynasty.
Articles of this type are sometimes called the symbol of the deity Earth and vy^ere for religious and ceremonial use .
19.17 Ceremonial weapon of the type ko of opaque jade in shades of tan, tinged with green on one side; areas of deep cream-colored decomposition at both ends; blade with beveled sides and two cutting edges end- ing in small lateral projections near the pointed end; slight longitudinal ridge; conical perforation in line with lateral projection on each side above the wide, indented tang. .252 m. (9-15/16") over all.
Late Shang dynasty.
Articles of tnis type reflect the original Stone Age weapon or tool which reached its highest development in bronze. It is assumed that the jade form was a purely symbolic object for religious and ceremonial use, pernaps indicating the official position and rank of the owner and sometimes buried with him.
19.61 Ceremonial weapon of the type ko of black and
dark olive-green nephrite; blade has beveled sides, two cutting edges and a sharply pointed end; long, slightly indicated tang indented at end and perforated; decoration: in relief and incised, both sides alike; short lateral ridges above tang and three groups of triple lines at perforation, .310 rn, (12-1/4.") over alio
Shang dynasty.
Articles of this type reflect the original Stone Age weapon or tool which reached its highest devel- opment in bronze. It is assumed that the jade form was a purely symbolic object for religious and cere- monial use, pernaps indicating the official position and rank of the owner and sometimes buried with him.
15o69 Ceremonial implement of the type kuei of mottled pale cream and dark reddish brown jade v;ith traces of black; long, wide tablet with beveled end and perforation above the tang. .350 m. (3-13/16") over all.
Early Chou dynasty.
16,4.99 Squared, hollow cylinder of the type ts^ung of
mottled yellowish-cream, tan, and ^ray Jade with extensive surface alteration and decomposition; low form with narrow projecting collar at both ends; decoration: channeled and incised; corner ridges and grooves, geometric and circle designs. .065 ra. (2-9/16") in height x .094 m. (3-11/16") in width.
Chou dynasty.
Articles of this type are sometimes called the symbol of the deity Earth and were for religious and ceremonial use.
Case C
25 o3 Ceremonial wine vessel of the type chdeh.
Height ,251 X width .225 m. (9-7/3" x 3-7/3").
Shang dynasty.
This vessel is distinguished from other tripods by the long spout and pointed lip; and by the tv/o vertical projections that rise from the base of the spout.
The legs are triangular in section, and the two inner surfaces are provided with depressions which follov/ the outer contour. The lower part of the cup is guite plain, and above this is a wide bank of lei-wen on which appear the elements of the t*ao-t*ieh. This band and the neck above it are divided vertically by three thin, light- ly notched flanges, and the fourth dividing line is pro- vided by the handle which is plain except for a monster mask at the top. Beneath the handle is a plain area re- served for an inscription which, however, was omitted on this example. The neck is decorated with a row of leaf- shaped forms which rise to varying heights corresponding to their positions under the lip and spout. The two ver- tical members at the Dase of the spout have capped tops whose lower edges are bordered with lei-wen.
4-1 o3 Ceremonial food vessel of the type kuel (or chiu) . Heignt .139 x diameter .219 m. (5-1/2" x 8-I/4.") .
Shang dynasty.
Although the type is better known with either two or four handles (cf. 31.10 and 3B.20), this example is not unique in this respect.
The base and body of the vessel are covered with lei- wen, and are divided into sections by six slightly notched vertical flanges. In low relief on the base are dragons arranged in pairs facing alternate flanges. On the main body of the vessel are tne elements of the t'^ao-t * ieh. Above this is a band of small dragons, two in each section, and each two pairs face a monster mask in the round that covers the lov/er half of every other flange. On the neck is a series of broad triangular teeth each decorated with lei-wen and an inverted cica- da.
Inside the bowl is cast an inscription of two characters, probably a monogram.
4-0.11 Ceremonial wine vessel of the type yu . a~b Height .361 x width .267 m. (14-3/l6»' x 10-1/2")-
Shang dynasty.
This vessel is characteristic of its type in every re- spect, (cf. 30.26 and 42.1-4). It is divided into three horizontal bands of decoration, separated from one another by plain areas; and the cover has two laore such bands. Vertically, the vessel is divided by four heavy, deeply notched flanges on each register save the neck, where two of the flanges are omitted to make rooifl for the handle.
Each register is provided with a ground pattern of lei- wen o The base carries eight small dragon forms, facing the central flanges of tne broad axes in pairs. Above this, the main field is decorated with the eleixients of the t*ao-t*ieh« again seen full face on the broad axes. The neck has four small dragon forms in pairs facing the feline mask in the round that forms each end of the handle. These latter are the outside surfaces of large sockets which fit over lugs on the body of the vessel and give the handle its free-swinging action. The ver- tical sides of the cover are decorated with small dra- gons v/ith ears, and on each end is a neavy lug whose outer face carries an inverted cicada in intaglio. The top of the cover has tvso t *aQ-t*ieh so placed as to be seen from the snort axes of tne vessel; thus the handle does not interfere with the design. The mushroom-like knob on top is divided into six segments on each of which is an inverted cicada. The ^handle is decorated on the outside by a band of lei-v.-en and cicada patterns, while the inside carries a row of scale patterns, alter- nately plain and filled in with concentric grooves.
An inscription of one character is cast inside both the vessel and its cover.
38.6 Ceremonial wine vessel of tne type chih. a-b Height .190 x width .089 m, (7-1/2" x 3-1/2").
Chou dynasty.
The vessel, as a whole, is divided into four well- defined horizontal bands of decoration which are bordered by thin raised lines, and the cover consti- tutes a fifth register. It will be noted that the surface of the vessel and of tne relief elements which decorate it are perfectly plain, and that two thin, rounded, vertical flanges divide the three lower bands and the top on the broad axis of the vessel.
The main part of the body carries the elements of the t *ao-t*ieh, while below and above it are groups of four small dragons arranged in pairs facing the flanges. Tne bottom and top dragons are of different types. The t*ao- t *ieh appears again on the neck and on the cover; and tne tnree occurrences of this form serve to illustrate some of the various ways in which it may be composed.
Inside both tne vessel and its cover is cast an inscrip- tion of one character, probably a name.
39o53 Ceremonial wine vessel of the type kuang . a~b Height .167 x length .192 m. (6-9/16" a 7-9/16").
Shang dynasty.
This covered vessel with handle and broad spout was apparently designed to be used witn one hand for pouring. (cf. 33.5)
A ground pattern of lei-wen appears on all registers. Over this, on the base, are eight smtll fish facing in- ward in pairs on each side. The main body of the vessel begins witri a smooth area above which is the principal band of decoration divided by three slightly notched vertical flanges; a fourth flange was undoubtedly omitted because of the handle. The t*ao-t*ieh appears on each side; and, in tnis case, is clearly made up of two confronted dragons seen in profile. Over the ground pattern of the neck, on each side of the vessel, are seen two birds, an elephant, a hare, and a dragon. Tne handle, attached to the back, is decorated with vertical grooves, while at the top is an animal mask surmounted by ram's horns in the round.
The cover has a large monster mask at both the front and the back with the general features outlined on an other- wise smooth ground. Txie front mask appears to be bovine in type with bottle-shaped norns standing up in the round, and an open mouth showing sharp pointed teeth. Ears pro- trude laterally below the horns. The other mask is of the feline type with broad round ears rising vertically. Between the two masks, the cover is decorated witn lei- wen, and dragon forms in relief. Tne top is divided long- itudinally by a flange whose notching is more complicated than tnat on the main vertical flanges of the body.
43.9 Cereraonial bronze vessel of the type ku. Light green patina with patches of silvery gray inside and out. Design filled with reddish pigiaent. Incrustations of cuprite and native copper inside and out, particu- larly in the two-character inscription inside the foot. Over all measurements .293 x.l67 a. (11-1/2" x 6-9/16").
Shang dynasty, 12th century, B.C.
The two-character inscription inside tne foot may be
doubt represents a name.
in modern characters and no
CASE D
19.19 Perforated disc of the type £i. of richly mottled,
bright bluish-green, golden tan, and brown nephrite; cream-colored fleckings of incipient disintegration; bored from both sides leaving median ridge. .236 ra. (9-1 A") in diameter.
Chou dynasty.
Articles of this type are sometimes called the symbol of the deity Heaven and are for religious and ceremonial use.
19.13 Large ceremonial weapon of the type ko of gray, black and brov/nish jade, somewhat translucent; area of white and tan decomposition over butt and tang; long blade with beveled sides, two cutting edges and pointed ends; indented tang, long and wide with single conical per- foration; decoration: channeled and incised; ridges and band of parallel and criss-cross lines on the butt; a 30 character inscription on reverse side. (Broken and mended, one chip.) .674- m. (26-9/16") over all,
Chou dynasty.
The inscription describes a royal command to a Marquis concerning an inspection trip.
Articles of this type reflect the original Stone Age weapon or tool wiiich reached its highest development in bronze. It is assumed that the jade form was a purely symbolic object for religious and ceremonial use, perhaps indicating the official position and rank of the owner and sometimes buried with him.
17.79 Perforated disc of the type q1 of mottled dark and light green, golden tan, and brov/n nephrite with cream-colored cloudings and wnite veins of decomposition; very large foru, bored from both sides leaving median ridge; decoration: lightly incised device in upper quadrant. ,318 m. (12-f)/l6^') in diameter.
Chou dynasty.
Articles of this type are sometimes called the symbol of tne deity Heaven and were for religious and ceremonial use.
17.65 Squared, hollow cylinder of the type ts ^uriR in mottled shades of tan, dull yellow, bluish-gray and brown jade; profuse cream-white coating of decoDiposition; low massive form with narrow pro- jecting collar at both ends; irregularly bored; decoration: channeled and incised; corner ridges, grooves and faint circles. ol05 (4-1/8") in height X .140 m. (5-9/16") in width.
Chou dynasty.
Articles of this type are sometimes called the symbol of the deity Earth and were for religious and ceremonial use.
17.396 Large ceremonial weapon of the type ko of opaque jade mottled and striped in shades of gray and yellow-gray with some creaui-colored surface alter- ation at both ends; long blade with beveled sides, two cutting edges and pointed end; longitudinal median ridge running from butt to point; wide in- dented tang with sin£j,le conical perforation; decor- . ation: channeled and incised, parallel ridges and lines in various patterns. (One chipc) ,841 m. (33-1/8") over all«
Shang-Chou dynasty »
Articles of this type reflect the original intone Age weapon or tool which reached its hignest devel- opment in bronze. It is assumed tliat the jade form was a purely symbolic object for religious and cere- monial use, perhaps indicating the official position and rank of the owner and sometimes buried with him.
17.34-''' Perforated disc of the type £i of nephrite in riciily mottled brilliant greens and black v.ith veins of golden brov/n; bored from both sides leaving sharp, irregular median ridge; propor- tions irregular. .22^ m. (8-I4./I6") in diameter.
Chou dynasty.
Articles of this type are sometimes called the symbol of the deity Heaven and are for religious and ceremonial use ,
CASE £
38.20 Ceremonial food vessel of the type kaei (or chiu) . Height .280 x width .3^1 m. (11 x 13-7/16") .
Chou dynasty.
Vessels of this type are numerous, and occur supported by the circular lower part of the vessel itself (cf. 31olO and 41. 8); by three or four feet; or, as here, by a large rectangular stand cast as a unit with the object. This base is hollow, and under the bottom of the bowl of the vessel are the remains of a loop which probably suspended a small bpll.
The outer surface of the base, within its plain edges, is covered with lei -wen, and on each side is s t_*ao-t ^ieh witn almost plain surface. Each t *&o-t^ieh is flanked by two birds with flowing crests, and cla;vs clearly represented. The top of the base is covered witn lei -wen at the corners, and over this are dragon elements.
On the vessel itself, the lov^er part of the base is plain; and above this is a band of lei-wen on which are eight of the so-called silkworm forms arranged in couples, with each pair of couples facing the heavy flange which divides the section. The main body of the vessel is divided by two heavy flanges with protruding lugs, and notches on the sides. These are omitted on the sides with tne handles. The decoration of this register resembles that on the rectangular base with t * ao- 1 * ieh flanked by crested birds on the ground of lei -wen; in this case, however, the t*ao-t*ieh are more elaborate, and may be regarded as confronted dragons seen in profile. The top register, below the plain lip, carries eight small dragon forms with bottle-shaped horns arranged like the silkworms on the base. Over each of the flanges is a monster mask in high relief.
38.20 (continued)
Tvio large heavy handles are attached to the sides of the vessel; and pendant from them are the heavy- lugs characteristic of the type. At the top of each lug is a small human head in relief; and back of these are elements which may be taken to suggest the feet and legs of the bird which is the main orna- ment of the lower part of the handle. The tail feathers appear above the top of the lug, and the wing curves forward from this point with a snake-like head at the top. Above this are the eye and ear, both lying beneath a curliiii^ horn. The beak protrudes in the round from the front of the handle. The topmost element is a monster head beneath large curved horns, each of which suggests a dragon.
Cast inside tne vessel is an inscription of eleven characters which has been translated to read;
Po Che-fu made this precious chiu
to be used for offerings when royalty
is formally received.
(
33 = 2 Ceremonial wine vessel of the type hJiQ.» Height ^223 x widbn o210 m. (8-3/4" x 3-^1/4").
Chosj dynasty.
Vessels with spouts for pouring are usually classifiec ^3 hii_o, (cf« 36.6 and 4-2.1) ^ and this example stands c . four solid J cylindrical legs. The body is made up of four bulbous sections with the lov/er part of each resting on one of the legs* The whole surface is covered with
^^'^^ t^^^ elements of trie t/^_aQ-t *_ie_h appear facing each coiTier. At the back is a handle decorated ?;ith in- taglio patterns J and with a monster head at the top» Be- tween the ears of the head is a loop which is joined by a doable link to a siiiiilar loop on the cover o Around the neck is a band of lei -wen with t.^ao-t/.ieh. The spout is decorated witti leaf -shaped j^atterns in intaglio. The cover design consists of lei-wen with two large t±a^~ i:f ieh back to back^ and has a loop handle on the top.
Inside the cover is cast an inscription of 50 characters of which the last four are repeated outside the vessel^ under the handle o The name Ch*en-ch'en is that of the ?/riter of the inscriptio-n and its presence relates this to a series of nineteen other vessels bearing his na.aie, all excavated near Loyang in Honan Province in 1929.. Among ten additional vessels found at the same time is t.ie fanf^ i, (30«54); cind in spite of dissimilarities in the execution of the design of the two vessels^, tiie style of the inscriptions also suggests a similar date^ sometime in the 11th century B.C.
35«12 Ceremonial wine vessel of the type chia.
Height .406 X width .251 m. (16" x 9^3").
Shang dynasty.
The vessel is a rectangular variant of the tvpe whose round form is perhaps better knov^n (cf. 23.1). The body is divided vertically by seven thin and slightly notched flanges, one at each corner, and one in the raiddle of each side except tnat wnicn holds the handle. Tne corner flanges are carried on dov/n the legs. The dominating feature of the design is the close, all-over pattern of lei-wen which fills the background and covers most of the low relief work. The legs have a long ver- tical dragon on each side, with a cicada between; and the elements of the t^ao-t ^ieh occupy eacn of the main panels of the body. In tne lov/er outside corner of each long face of the vessel are small, crested creatures with beaks. Above the main design are rows of small dragons, two on each end, four on each side; and above these again are rows of triangular teeth with inverted cicadas. The handle is decorated with intaglio patterns and is surmounted by a bovine head with large, angular horns. The up-rights on the rim have intaglio patterns on their outer faces, and rectangular caps with very thin notched flanges and^roof -like tops. They are decorated with bands of lei-wen, and tooth-like elements. The rim has a row of inverted t*ao-t*ieh in intaglio, alternating with triple bands of chevrons sunk in raised ridges. On tne cover are two large t*ao-t^ieh back to backj and the handle consists of a small ov/-like bird with erect tufted ears .
An inscription of one character, probably a name, is cast inside the vessel.
36.6 Ceremonial wine vessel of the type huo.
Height .172 x lengtn .212 m. (6-3/4" x 8-3/3").
Chou dynasty.
The vessel is in tne form of an elepnant whose trunk serves as a spout, thus placing it in the class huo. Except for tne under belly and tne insides of tne legs, the body is covered with lei- wen. On this, in so;aev,hat higher relief, tne very much disintegrated elements of tjtie t^ao-t ^ieh appear on the naunches and the front legs. In tne middle of each side appears an eye-like foria surround- ed by four crescents back to back, i^ear the top of the back are dragon forms, and four small worm-like dragons curl over the top of the head and on the fore- head. Along tne back of tne tail, continued in one section on the cover, and along the trunk is a thin slightly notched flange. Tne face and ears are plain except for tne eyebrows and slight intaglio decorations which also appear on tne trunk. The cover is decorated with small worm-like dragons similar to those on the forehead; and the handle is a small elephant in the round whose pose duplicates that of the vessel.
For other types of vessels of tnis class, cf. 33.2 and 42.1.
30.54- Ceremonial wine vessel of trie type f ang -i . a-b Heigrit „351 x width .246 m. (13-7/8" x 9-11/16"),
Chou dynasty o
The vessel itself is divided into tnree horizootal zones of decoration, and tne cover carries two. FvO'uL top to bottom run eight heavy, segmented flanges, one at each corner, and one in the middle of each side. The latter four are interrupted at the neck and at the upper register of tne cover. The perforation of the flanges foras deep hooks, and tne upper two hooks of the cover, the upper three of the body, and the one on the base each have sharply protruding lugs on their outer edges. Similar flanges, on a smaller scale, ornament tne four corners of the roof-shaped knob on the cover »
Each of the horizontal zones carries a ground pattern o^" lei-v^en» Around the base are tv/elve crested birds ^ four on each side, tv/o on each end, facing the central flange in each case. The main body of the vessel nas a large t*ao-t*ieh on each side. On tne neck, above the central flanges, are animal heads of feline type in the round, and each of those has two snake-like bodies v^itn heavy scales placed horizontally on either side.
The cover has a large inverted t^ao-t^ieh on each face; and above those on the long axes, are tv/o confronted long-tailed birds 0 On tne snort ends, tnis space is reduced to a triangle and is filled witn lei-wen and extremely stylized dragon forms. These reappear on the short ends of the knob, while tne long faces of this topmost member again carry inverted tlao-tl_ieh.
Inside tne vessel is cast a long inscription whicii is repeated, with one more character, inside the cover; these consist of 186 and 187 cnaracters respectively, Wliile some details remain obscure, the general purport of the inscription is clear. It relates how the King of Chou appointed one Ming Pao to take charge of the government, to set up departments of external and in- ternal affairs, and to assemble the Chief Wiiniscers.
30 c 5/+ (continued) a-b
Two months later, Ming Pao v/as received in audience by the King, and, when his reports were concluded, sacrifices were perforiaed including the making and dedication of this vessel. Several officials are mentioned by title, but, as is typical of these texts, the name of the King is omitted. It is, therefore, impossible to state the exact reign in which these events occurred, but it is perhaps safe to say that it was in tne eleventh century B. C.
V
CASE F
23.1 Ceremonial wine vessel of the type chia.
Height .523 x width .305 m. (20-13/16" x 12"),
Shang dynasty.
Vessels of this type are characterized by pointed legs, triangular in section, the round cup with two uprights projecting from the rim, and the single handle, (cf- 35*12) .
The uprights are capped with bell-shaped members whose sur- faces are decorated with bands of lei-wen, four triangu- lar teeth, and three plain rings in relief. The body of the vessel is divided vertically by five thin segmented flanges, each in two parts, and the place of the sixth is taken by the plain flat handle. The neck^is decorated with triangular teeth waich include lei-wen and dragon- forms making up inverted t*ao-t*ieh. The two main registers are covered with lei-wen and also have the elements of the t ^ao-t *ieh. The outer faces of the legs make the framework for inverted leaf patterns filled with elements only slight- ly different from those in the teeth on the neck. The whole surface of the vessel is characterized by flatness, the only relief being provided by the eyes of the dragons and the flanges .
A single character, probably a name, is case inside the vessel.
CASE G
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o] N W
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1
39.9 Flat ring of translucent green-gray nephrite, finely corrugated spirally. Diameter .069 m, (2-3/4*') over all.
Chou dynasty, circa 4.80-230 B.C. Provenience, Shou-chou, Anhui Province.
2
39.33 Open ring ornament of translucent cream-white nephrite with rusty areas. Greatest diameter .070 m. (2-3/4").
Chou dynasty, circa 430-230 B.C. Provenience, Shou-chou, Anhui Province.
The decoration is pierced and has relief carving on both sides ending in two dragons' heads back to back. There are two suspension holes drilled through the edges of the dragons' crests. Except for its small size, it might be classified as a
used in ceremonies invoking rain.
, a jade dragon, which may have been
(
3
39.13 Flat double ring of almost opaque white nephrite, the outer ring corrugated spirally, the inner en- graved on both sides. Diameter .039 m. (1-1/2") > over all.
Chou dynasty, circa 4.80-230 B.C. Provenience, Shou-chou, Anhui Province.
Its use is unknown.
4
39.22 Plaque of translucent, grayish nephrite; on one surface the face and body of a dragon in countersunk relief with engraved details. Length .055 m. (2-7/8»') •
Chou dynasty, circa 480-230 B.C. Provenience, Shou-chou, Anhui Province.
The dragon seems to be of the k^uel^^.. variety, and this dorsal view of it is interesting in connection with similar dragons and so-called t^ao-t*ieh masks so often seen on ancient bronze vessels. The sort of thing to which this plaque was meant to be applied as ornament can only be guessed at, — possibly military equipment of some kind.
5
39.23 Archer »s spurred thumb-ring of translucent, gray- nephrite with area of opaque cream-white; engraved decorations including a bird; one hole for suspension. .045 m. (1-3/4") over all.
Chou dynasty, circa 480-230 B.C. Provenience, Shou-chou, Anhui Province.
The usual archer's thumb-ring identified strictly with China is of simple cylindrical shape, long and thick. The type exhibited here has been found in Persia, Tur- key, Asia Minor, Korea and India, and has been described as "oblate, never cylindrical, one side flaring and in profile resembling, more or less, the visor of a cap". In recent years, hovvever, this type has been found in China. The three (39.23, 39.24, 39.25) exhibited here have one cominon feature which distinguishes them from others found elsewhere, and that is a pronounced spur vi?hich has a variety of forms but is always in about the same relative position to the ring and always at approx- imately the same angle. Both the oblate and the cylin- drical types were used in archery in connection with the "Mongolian release", and the same is probably true of the oblate type with the spur. It appears that in modern Korea the oblate type was worn v/ith the top joint of the thumb thrust through the ring from the convex side and flexed so that the ball of tne thumb lies in the conca- vity of the ring's visor-like extension, which serves to protect the ball of the thumb from friction when the bow string is drawn and released. If tne spurred ring answered the same purpose and was worn in the same way, — as, ap- parently, must have been the case, — then the spur, pro- jecting toward the base of the first finger, may have served to guide the nock end of the arrow and make the arcner's grip more secure. If this was the case it is evident that the rings shown here could have been worn only on the right thumb. However, Korean archers, using the spurless oblate ring, commonly draw the bow with either hand. Hov/ever, oblate rings without spurs and also vvith two opposite spurs — which could have been worn on either hand, — have been found in China and suggest that the modern Korean practice was already familiar to the Chinese in Chou times.
5
39.23 (continued)
It seems quite probable that aside from their practical aspect, such rings were also used for purely ornamental purposes, as perhaps symbolic girdle-pendants for the living, or for burial with tne dead.
6
39o32 Perforated disc of tne type £i, of nearly opaque cream-white nephrite with dark flecks: on both sides a woven cane design in countersunk relief betv/een plain margins. Diameter .110 m. (4,-5/16") over all.
Chou dynasty, circa 480-230 B.C. Provenience, Shou-chou, Anhui Province.
This is a typical
)li (see 39.14-) > — more speci-
with reference to the
fically, a p*u pi/^] _
cane (p*u) design. 'The perforation is very slightly conical. (See 39.14..)
7
39.30 Ornament of white and opaque gray nephrite; dragons
in openwork low relief on both sides; two perforations for suspension or attachxaexit . Greatest dimension .090 ra. (3-1/2").
Chou dynasty, circa 4-30-230 B.C. Provenience, Shou-chou, Anhai Province.
8
39.16 Curved ornament of nearly opaque cream-white nephrite: a mask and spirals in openwork and relief on either side; four holes for attachment, neight .068 m. (2-11/16") .
Chou dynasty, circa 4.80-230 B.C. Provenience, Shou-chou, Anhui Province.
The mask on the convex side indicates the bottom and front of the ornament. Apart from the mask, the front and back are similar, although the elements of the design are somewhat differently treated and arranged on the concave side. The holes for attachment are curiously asymmetrical, there being three of them in one long margin, and only one in the other. Further- more, only one of them can be said to have been made without reference to the decorative effect. It is thus difficult even to guess how this object was used.
■I
^9
39.17 Pendant of translucent milky white nephrite tipped with brown at one end: a dragon in profile, open work and relief on both sides; one hole for suspension. Length .077 m. (3-l/l6»') •
Ghou dynasty, circa 4,30-230 B.C.
Provenience, Shou-chou, in Anhui Province, (see 39.6).
39.21 Miniature blade (type ko) of gray-green, translucent nephrite; tang indicated; one hole for suspension (?) . Length ,171 ra. (6-3/4") •
Chou dynasty, circa 4-30-230 B.C.
Provenience, Lo-yang (Chin-ts 'un) , Honan Province.
As far as the form of the blade goes, the hole in the tang may be said to be functional; but it seems quite possible that miniatures of this sort were made only for burial with the dead.
11
39.26 Ornament of grayish, translucent nephrite Vi^ith
chalky, opaque areas; relief and engraved decora- tions; one side largely unfinished. Length over all .054 i'l. (2-1/8").
Chou dynasty, circa 4.80-230 B.C. Provenience, Shou-chou, Anhui Province.
The design is based on the for^a of tne oblate type of archer «s thumb-rixig (cf. 39.23, 39.24, 39.25), and may have retained a symbolic significance which added to its value as a piece of decoration. The gexieral shape of it together with its unfinished re- verse side suggest that it w?as meant to be mounted in a setting of some sort. This piece seems to be an early example of an ornament pure and simple — though perhaps symbolic too — elaborated from the tnumb-ring form.
12
39.12 Small, flat ring of translucent yellow-gray and purple nephrite, corrugated spirally. Diameter over all .034- (1-5/16").
Chou dynasty, circa 480-230 B.C. Provenience, Shou-chou, Anhui Province.
It is possible that this may have been a loose-ring handle .
13
39.20 Small curved blade of greenish-white, translucent nephrite (?) with lilac spots; both surfaces alike; one hole for suspension. Length over all .121 m. (4-3/4-").
Chinese, 14th-12th centuries, B.C. Shang dynasty, late, An-yang ,
The trimming of the butt was certainly not done by the maker of the blade, and suggests that a raw edge due to fracture has been later smoothed by a less competent craftsman. Whether this blade v;as originally complete in itself or was part of something else cannot nov/ be determined; but the hole for suspension, though ancient- ly and very neatly drilled, does not seem to be part of the original design.
14
39.19 Small blade of slightly translucent pinkish-yellow
nephrite (?) the two surfaces almost alike; the tang indicated; one hole for suspension. Length .070 m. (2-3A").
Shang dynasty, 14.th-12th centuries B.C. Provenience, An-yang, Honan Province.
13
39.11 Broad ring of lighter and darker brom nephrite, eliptical in section and corrugated spirally. Diameter over all .061 a. (2-3/8") •
Chou dynasty, circa 4.80-230 B.C. Provenience, Shou-chou, Anhui Province.
16
4.0.10 Ceremonial sickle in four parts: three of bronze inlaid with turquoise, one (tne blade) of jade de- corated in linear relief with notched back and ground edge. Over all asseinbled .34-^ x .175 x^. (13-9/16" X 6-7/3").
;Shang dynasty, 14th-12th centuries, B.C.
17
4-0.2 Terriiinal ornament: a bird in profile silhouette with details in countersunk linear relief on both sides; perforated tang. Height over all .118 m. (4-11/16") .
Shang dynasty, circa 14th-12th centuries, B.C.
The perforated tang suggests that this bird was originally mounted with a pin passing through the perforation to hold it firmly in position. Crested birds of this general type are not uncommon among early jades and bronzes, and seem to have been re- garded as important symbols during a considerable period.
18
39.27 Eccentric ring ornament of translucent, greenish- white nephrite; two intertwined animals in relief on either side; one suspension hole. Diameter over all .027 m. (1-1/8")-
Chou dynasty, circa 480-230 B.C.
19
39 o7 Small perforated disc of greenish-gray nephrite; a coiled "bottle-horned" dragon in countersunk relief on either side. Diameter over all .04.3 (1-11/16").
Shang dynasty, 14th-12th centuries, B.C. Provenience, An-yang, Honan Province.
The perforation is conical, and the peripheral margin is bevelled in the same sense, so that the diameter of one surface is 3 mm. less than the other. Judging by its shape and size the object might be of the type
, i.e. a jade ornament for the
20
39.6 Flat, thin ornament of translucent, gray-green nephrite with whiter areas: a bird in profile silhouette with details in countersunk relief on both surfaces; two holes for suspension. Greatest dimension ,091 m.
Shang dynasty, 14.th-12th centuries, B.C. Provenience, An-yang, Honan Province.
21
39.10 Ring of translucent yellow-gray and brown nephrite, almost circular in section and corrugated spirally. Diameter over all .070 m. (2-3/4").
Chou dynasty, circa 480-230 B.C. Provenience, Shou-chou, Anhui Province.
22
39.31 Handle of slightly transluoeat, dark, gray-green
serpentine (?;; tne tang is pierced for attachment. Length .178 m. (7")-
Snang dynasty, 14tn-12th centuries, B.C. Provenience, An-yang, Honan Province.
Judging from another complete piece, this may be the handle to a ceremonial dagger.
23
39.25 Archer's spurred thumb-ring of translucent white nephrite with small cream-color patches; bird- shaped spur; engraved decorations; one hole for suspension. Length over all .045 liu (1-25/32")'
Chou dynasty, circa 430-230 B.C. Provenience, Shou-chou, Anhui Province.
See 39.23.
2 J'
39.14. Broad, flat ring of green-gray nephrite with milky and dark areas: both sides dotted with aligned spirals in countersunk relief between plain margins. Diameter over all .103 m, (4-I/I6").
Chou dynasty, circa >480-230 B.C. Provenience, Shou-chou, Anhui Province.
glosses and texts, refers to the three principal types of annular jades and says (in effect), "If the breadth of tne ring be twice the diameter of the hole, then the jade is a gi; if the diameter of the hole be twice the breadth of the ring, then
and the diameter of the hole be equal, then the jade is a huan." It is, however, very doubtful that this formula was ever strictly followed ^ certainly it is not generally applicable to the ancient annular jades which have survived. Perhaps the closest approach to anything like the rule consists in saying that a cere- monial jade of this general type having a relatively small hole, i.e. a perforated disc, as distinguished from a ring, may safely be called pi, while a ring may be called a pi or a huan if it be broad, or a yOan if it be narrow. Thus this example might be either a 21 or a huag even though it does not con- form to the formula for either. A similar piece is classified in a Chinese work as a (See 39.32.)
Chinese dictionary of
breadth of tne ring
25
39.29 Ornament of opaque, gray nephrite; similarly pierced, engraved and relief designs on both sides with dragon profile at either end; one suspension hole. Greatest linear dimension .142 oi. ($-5/8") •
Chou dynasty, circa 4-30-230 B.C. Provenience, Shou-cnou, Anhui Province.
The suspension hole was evidently drilled when tne decorative carving was finished, — perhaps even later; but it indicates that the ornament was made or adapted for use as a pendant, — if not to be worn by the living because of its obvious fragility, then for burial with the dead.
I
26
39.54 Ornament of reddish brown nephrite shading to gray- green; somewhat translucent; one surface decorated in low reliefs mostly linear; four holes for attach- ment. Length .072 m. (2-13/16").
Chou dynasty, circa Bth century B. C. or later.
The shape of this jade conveys no idea of its use; but the one decorated surface or front, and four vertically perforated bosses on tne corners of the back, indicate that it was designed for attachment to something as a "one way" ornament pure and simple. The decorations in the upper and lower zones are essentially alike; they confront each other and appear to be highly stylized renderings of a face which, if not wholly human is at leajt anthropomor- phic. The head in the middle zone, however, is human without doubt, although its face seems to be related in a general way to the stylized faces in the upper and lower zones, and also to a consider- able number of heads and faces appearing on other jades in this Collection and elsewhere.
27
39. IB Pendant of translucent gray and brownish nephrite: a dragon in profile, open work and relief on both sides; one hole for suspension. Length over all .066 m. (2-5/8").
Chou dynasty, circa 480-230 B.C. Provenience, iShou-chou, Anhui Province.
28
39.34 Ornament of opaque purple, gray, brown and cream- white nephrite; pierced, engraved and lov/ relief decoration on both sides: two birds and a leaf- shaped appendage. Over all .052 m. (2-1/16") •
Chou dynasty, 5th-3rd centuries, B.C, or later.
29
39.24- Archer »s spurred thumb-ring of translucent green- gray nephrite witn small areas of brown; engraved decorations including a bird; one hole for suspension. Length over all .04? ni. (1-7/8").
Chou dynasty, circa 480-230 B.C. Provenience, Shou-chou, Anhui Province.
Since the bore is too small to permit this ring to be worn on the thumb, it is reasonable to suppose that it was made for burial with the dead, or even for use by the living, as an ornament, — perhaps symbolic. Compare with 39.6 and 39.23.
30
Narrow ring of translucent, mottled, grayish nephrite with brov/n areas; outer and inner margins bevelled on both faces. Diameter over all .083 m. (3-lA")'
Chou dynasty, circa 4.80-230 B.C. Provenience, Shou-chou, Anhui Province.
Rings of this type are sometimes called yilan (see 39. U).
3i
39.28 Sword-guard of translucent, milk-white nephrite;
a "mask" in low relief on either side; perforated to receive the tang of a sword. Length .060 m. (2-3/8").
Chou dynasty, circa 4,80-230 B.C. Provenience, Shou-chou, Anhui Province.
32
39ol5 Perforated disc of translucent gray nephrite with
dark flecks; center plug of another material; counter- sunk reliefs of dragons and spirals; three holes for attachment. Diameter over all .052 m. (2-1/16").
Chou dynasty, circa ^80-230 B.C. Provenience, Shou-chou, Anhui Province,
The bevelled edge makes one surface aboat 1-1/2 mm. less in diameter than the other. The material of which the plug is made has nov/ completely degenerated, — possibly it was originally of bronze, stone, or composi- tion of some sort. Its function seems to have been to conceal the means of attachment. The size and shape suggest that it should be classified as the type of
ornament known as ch*i , said to have been one of
a number of such ornaments attached to the seams of the King's leather cap. It does seem, however, that a large, heavy button such as this may well have fulfilled some more practical and less cumbersome purpose. (See 39o70
CASE H
38.5 Ceremonial wine vessel of the type kuang ,
Height .235 x length .310 m. (9-1/4" x 12-1/4").
Shang dynasty.
In this vessel the handle is provided by the head and neck of the bird whose body makes up the lower part of the object, (cf. 39.53).
The whole object is unusaally smootn in contour, with only the feet, wings, eyes and ears of the bird raised in low relief. The feet appear on the base over a band of lei-wen in which are dragon elements. The neck, belly, and under side of the bird's tail are covered witn a scale-like pattern, si^'aulating feathers; and the wings are slightly raised above this ground. Above the wings are areas covered with lei-wen, and within these, at the same level, are highly stylized dragon forms.
The main part of the cover carries the same pattern, and is flanged longitudinally along the back. The end of the cover that overhangs the mouth of the spout is a monster head with open mouth and pointed teeth, and broad round ears standing erect. At the back of the cover is an owl's head with powerful beak, large round eyes, and horns rising vertically from the surface of tne cover.
Inside both the vessel and cover is cast an inscrip- tion of two characters, probably a monogram.
42.1 Cereinonial wine vessel of the type huo.
Height .131 x width .208 m. (7-1/8" x 8-3/16").
bnang or early Choa dynasty.
This vessel is classified as a huo because of its spoilt^ but in otner respects it differs v«fidely from the usual examples of tne type. (cf. 33.2, 36.6). Tne inost striking feature is the cover wnich resembles a human face witn bottle-shaped norns . The ears are perforated, and fall just above two lugs on the body of the vessel that were evidently used to attach a handle .
The back of the head is decorated with t'wo dragon forrasj; and between tne lower parts of these begins a series of diarriond -shaped patters tnat cover the whole back of tne snake-like body as it winds around the vessel. This is clearly the body that goes with the human head: and it will be noted that it is bor- dered on one side witn a scale-like pattern, and, on the other, with a series of notches like those on the flanges of many types of vessels. The creature is provided with two arms in lovi relief which begin below the ears, are bent at the elbov/, and end in pov;erful claws. On each upper arm is a handle-lug decorated with a monster mask. Behind the right elbov/ is a bird, and behind the left, an inverted dragon form. In front of the arms are two dragons with bottle-shaped horns and gaping jaws which are confronted around the spout, and, taken togetner, form a t^ao-f^ieh. The background is filled with lei-wen.
The base, whicii is perforated witn tnree round holes, one under the spout, and one under each elbo'w, is de- corated with spiral patterns.
44 •! Ceremonial vessel of the type tsun.
Height .297 x width .231 over all (11-11/16" X 9-1/16").
Shang dynasty o
The type tsun is not an unusual one, but the decoration and its application to the shape of this vessel are un- usually fine. The decoration is divided into three re- gisters, the two lower ones of which each contain four t*ao t*ieh masks in strong relief with spiral fill as a background, and separated vertically by four strong flanges. The upper register is extremely interesting, being composed of four plantain leaf forms which lend themselves to the flare of the lip. Each leaf is divided lengthwise by a tapering angular petiole v;ith alternate plain and striate decorations. These petioles form ex- tensions of the dividing fliinges on the lower registers. Bold intaglio designs decorate the nalves of the leaves on either side. The vessel bears an inscription inside the bottom signifying that it was made in honor of Father Ting.
4-6 .4 Ceremonial tripod vessel of trie type ting_» Height
.156 .a. X vvidtii ,151 over all (6-5/16" x 5~15/l6") .
Choa dynasty, 10th century B.C.
Smooth bluish-green patina, v.itn occasional incrusta- tions of cuprite. Two uprigiit inverted "U" siiaped handles opposite each otner on lip. Three-character inscription inside sidOo
The decoration is in low relief on a single narrow band around the vessel just under the lip. Tiie de- sign is divided in six GOi.ipar tuiexits each containing a phoejiix (f exi^'j-huanK) design, and so disposed that there are tnree pairs of these birds confronting each other o On tne bottom of tiie vessel the legs are connected by a trefoil design in relief possibly used for reinforcement.
The inscription may be translated, "Ting made by Po".
4.2.14. Ceremonial wine vessel of the type yu. a-b Height «240 x width .213 m. (9-7/16" x 8-3/3").
Shang dynasty.
This vessel is a less usual variant of a well known type, as will be seen by comparisson witn 40.II and 30.26. The foriji here is that of two owls placed back to back, and instead of resting on an ovoid base, the vessel is supported by the feet of the ov/ls. It will be noted, too, that a handle was originally provided; and that, though it is now missing, the lugs by which it was attached to the body still remain.
Two principal ground patterns cover the^ surface of the vessel,. In addition to the usual lei-wen, there are scale-like forms alternately plain and decorated with spirals. These are arranged to simulate featners, and appear appropriately on the breast and wings of each owl. On each foot is curled a scaly dragon witn a single bottle-shaped horn. The body of the vessel is divided by thin slightly notched vertical flanges. The wings are bordered by bands of small circles as are the rims of both the vessel and cover. Above and belov^ each wing is placed a small, long-tailed bird with large, protruding eye and bottle-shaped horn. The lugs which fastened the handle are decorated with monster masks.
The cover consists of the heads of the two owls, and carries four short flanges similar to those on the body. The two that run longitudinally have been shortened to allow for the strong beaks. The eyes are large, round and truly owl-like, and above tnem are elaborate horns. The characteristic knob on the cover is roof-shaped, and each of its four faces is decorated with an inverted t*ao- t*ieh.
Underneath the vessel, between the four feet, is a plain area in which are cast in intaglio two t*ao-t*ieh and a coiled dragon with bottle-shaped horns.
It is of interest to note that in spite of the formal treatment of the whole object, there is no difficulty in recognizing here the eagle-owl of Europe and Asia, known in this country as the Great Horned owl.
CASE X
39.39 Pair of bronze ceremonial weapons of the type ko,
39.40 decorated witn turquoise inlay, iilalachite patina- tion. Lengtn .393 in. (15-1/2") and .391 m. (15-7/16") respectively .
Shang dynasty.
The care with which the inlay is applied and the tninness of these objects as a whole, indicate that they were made for ceremonial purposes rather than as functional weapons.
4-1.3 Short, broad blade of mottled warm gray and gray- green nephrite; weapon type; one conical perforation pierced from both sides. Over all measurements ,266 X .105 m. (10-7/16" x A-l/S").
Shang dynasty.
The shape of this blade is derived from the ko type weapon in its earliest form, as seen in early bronze inscriptions where it comiaonly appears more sharply pointed, but still relatively broad, and perfectly symmetrical, and mounted at right angles to its shaft.
41.5 Ceremonial weapon of the type ko. The blade of mottled warifl gray and white nephrite (stained by burial) mounted in bronze inlaid v/ith turquoise: perforated tang heavily patinated. Length over all .419 m. (16-1/2").
Shang dynasty.
Provenience, An-yang in Honan Province.
16.492 Ceremonial implement of very dark grayish green jade with brownish patination on tang and edges; blade slightly concave on both sides; lateral dull edges flaring to form sharp concave edge on end; perforation in tang which is divided from blade proper by triangu- lar projections on either edge. .366 x .072 ra. (14-7/16") over all.
Shang dynasty.
This implement seems to reflect some earlier special- ized agricultural tool form. It was probably laterally hafted, and bound to the haft by thongs passing through the hole in the tang, under the haft on both sides of the blade, and over the chock-like lateral projections. The jade form is of course ceremonial, and may be a badge of office, or a ritualistic implement used in some ceremony reflecting an agricultural rite or practice.
4-1./+ Ceremonial implement: the blade of mottled gray- brown and white nepiirite mounted in bronze closely- inlaid with turquoise; socket for vertical shafting: scattered malacnite incrustations. Over all measure- ments .213 X .079 m. (8-5/16" x 3-1/8").
Shang Dynasty.
Provenience, An-yang in Honan Province.
As a rule, blades mounted for vertical shafting are lance -shaped, and it is difficult to determine whether a square blade like tnis is derived from a weapon or some other sort of implement. At all events the type must be rare.
CASS J
25.2 Cereiaonial wine vessel of tine type tsun.
Hplsnt .353 X widtn .279 m. (13-li?/l6" x 11").
Cnou dynasty.
The rectangular vase witn high base and flaring lip is divided vertically by eight notciied flanges, one at each corner and one in the middle of each side.^ Each of the main registers is covered with lei -wen. On the base are two dragons face to face on each side, while the body has pairs of crested birds in the same positions. On the shoulder pairs of long-tailed, crested birds face bovine heads whicn appear in relief on each side. Long-tailed dragons appear on the lov/er part of the neck while the apper part is decorated witn leaf-snaped ele- ments filled witn lei -wen and dragons.
The smoatn, almost black surface has several char- acters scratciied on it which have, however, nothing to do witn the original condition of the vessel.
CASE K
35.21 Pair of bronze tigers.
35.22 35.21, height .252 x length .752 ra. (9-7/8" x 29-5/8") « 35.22, height ,251 x length .759 m. (9-7/8" x 29-7/8")'
ChoLi dynasty.
The use of these two animals is not known for certain; but the hollow chamber in the back of each suggests that they may have been supporting members for some larger object. The surfaces are decorated with relief casting in the form of bands and hooks roughly simula- ting the markings on the skin of a tiger » The higher relief of the haunches and shoulders suggest the bony structure of the creature. Each has four long tusks and a row of pointed teeth; and the six claws of each foot are curved around a solid object providing support.