Description

器身畧為扁圓,上小下大,外表線條優美. 雖然個子小, 但是鑄造精良,結構節繁複. 在廻紋地上佈滿了犀牛紋,幾何圓渦旋紋等, 提樑两端和卣身鑲有嘼頭. 正中和左右四邊飾有面具. 整體顯得精巧細緻,

這類比飲宴或祭祀上實用品較小的銅器叫”弄器”, 表示是用作把玩的心愛物件.

The body of the vessel is gently flat and round, with the lower part being larger than the upper part. It is an elegant design, with a pretty shape from any angles. Although it is tiny, yet the workmanship is magnificent. No attention is spared. On the background of square patterns, it is covered with designs of rhinos and swirling medallions. The two ends of the handle and the upper body are decorated with animal heads. Four sides of the main body have face masks. It is full of artistic details.

This kind of small version bronze wares resembled the actual large vessels actually used during ceremonies or banquets. It is believed that they were play-objects appreciated by the wealthy people in daily life.

Height 14.2 cm with lid, and 17.4 cm with the handle up.
Circa Shang period (1600-1100 BC)