Chinese Cultural Relics
Li Li
Bronze Sacrificial Utensils
Bronze tripods and quadripods were the largest and also the most important sacrificial utensils of the Shang Dynasty (1600 -1046 BC).
Many were excavated in the 20th century.
Of these, the largest and heaviest, 133 centimeters tall and weighing 875 kilograms, is in the collection of the National Museum of China.
Three characters, reading Si Mu Wu, are found on the inner wall of the tripod, "Mu Wu" being the title of honor conferred on King Wending's mother posthumously, suggesting that the utensil was produced possibly in honor of the dead woman.
The quadripod, square in shape, has two upright ears and its four legs are stout and strong.
Animal face and dragon designs are found on the belly of the vessel, and the parts above and below the designs are polished.
Several square-shaped quadripods have been unearthed in recent years in Henan and other provinces.
Two of these, though smaller than the quadripod dedicated to Si Mu Wu, are identified as much older. The larger quadripod is 100 centimeters tall and 86.4 kilograms in weight.
Both belonged to the supreme rulers of the Shang, for use as sacrificial vessels. Relative to the quadripod dedicated to Si Mu Wu, they are deep and have short legs.
Bronze utensils other than tripods and quadripods were also indispensable at sacrificial ceremonies and feasting.
These include containers for sacrificial animals and wine, all featuring exquisite decorative designs that testify to the importance attached by Shang rulers to those events.
Li Li
Bronze Sacrificial Utensils
Bronze tripods and quadripods were the largest and also the most important sacrificial utensils of the Shang Dynasty (1600 -1046 BC).
Many were excavated in the 20th century.
Of these, the largest and heaviest, 133 centimeters tall and weighing 875 kilograms, is in the collection of the National Museum of China.
Three characters, reading Si Mu Wu, are found on the inner wall of the tripod, "Mu Wu" being the title of honor conferred on King Wending's mother posthumously, suggesting that the utensil was produced possibly in honor of the dead woman.
The quadripod, square in shape, has two upright ears and its four legs are stout and strong.
Animal face and dragon designs are found on the belly of the vessel, and the parts above and below the designs are polished.
Several square-shaped quadripods have been unearthed in recent years in Henan and other provinces.
Two of these, though smaller than the quadripod dedicated to Si Mu Wu, are identified as much older. The larger quadripod is 100 centimeters tall and 86.4 kilograms in weight.
Both belonged to the supreme rulers of the Shang, for use as sacrificial vessels. Relative to the quadripod dedicated to Si Mu Wu, they are deep and have short legs.
Bronze utensils other than tripods and quadripods were also indispensable at sacrificial ceremonies and feasting.
These include containers for sacrificial animals and wine, all featuring exquisite decorative designs that testify to the importance attached by Shang rulers to those events.
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