A fluted vessel with a green patina and three spear-like legs, a round handle at the side shaped like a cow's head, and two vertical protrusions at top.

Goblet (jia)

Late Shang dynasty, 13th century–1046 B.C.

China

Monumental scale and the precise casting of animal imagery distinguish this vessel as a commission of late Shang royalty. Two tiers of monster masks encircle the flared bowl. Elongated version of these masks, which may also be interpreted as paired serpents, descend the sharply tapered legs. A bovine head with sculpted horns crowns the strap handle. Pieces of the clay core, visible through holes in the legs, remain from the piece-mold casting process.

Bronze

Arts of Asia