Shang Tanfugui Bronze Jue

Age: Shang Dynasty, Grade 1

Specifications: Total height 20.2cm, length from spout to tail 18.3cm, belly depth 9.5cm, belly diameter 6×6.4cm, weight 700g

Excavation site: Excavated from Tomb No. 13 of the National Cemetery in Zhuyuangou, Baoji City in 1980

Jue is the earliest known bronze wine vessel, which was in use until the Western Zhou Dynasty and basically disappeared after the middle of the Western Zhou Dynasty. It has a long spout with a tail, two mushroom pillars standing at the bend of the spout, an oval belly, a round bottom, a beast head, and three knife feet turned outward. The body of the Jue is decorated with two groups of beast face patterns, with protruding beast eyes, and the overall pattern is set against the ground with cloud and thunder patterns. Due to long-term use, the body of the Jue has been worn out. The three characters "Tan Fugui" are cast inside the urn.