Flask (bianhu)
Eastern Zhou dynasty, Warring States period (475–221 B.C.)
China
China
This canteen-shaped container was probably modeled after leather flasks designed to be slung from the shoulder by cords. The bricklike pattern of inlaid copper may allude to this cord wrapping. A stamp carved with a pattern of feather-curls was repeatedly impressed into the clay mold to create this intricate surface decoration.
Bronze inlaid with copper