A Gui (鬶) Tripod Vessel

Neolithic Culture, China, c. 3000–1600 BCE Large terracotta tripod vessel with three large hollow legs inspired by early Chinese ceramic forms associated with cooking and ritual use....

Qijia Culture, China, c. 2200–1600 BCE Terracotta vessel distinguished by its rounded body and projecting spout, reflecting the functional yet refined pottery traditions of the Qijia...

Han Dynasty, China, 206 BCE–220 CE Terracotta tripod ding vessel modeled after ancient Chinese ritual bronze forms. Raised on three sturdy legs and fitted with loop handles and a dom...

Dawenkou Culture, China, 206 BCE–220 CE Terracotta vessel modeled in the form of an animal, combining sculptural design with practical function. Vessels of this type likely served as...

A three-legged pottery vessel with a round body and a wide open mouth. The surface is covered with rough carved lines in diagonal and crossing patterns, giving it a strong textured l...

The tri-lobed shape and combed ridges of this cooking pot increased heating efficiency by maximizing the vessel’s surface area. The shape of a bronze vessel li, with the body rising out of three hollow pointed legs to a wide moiuth with splayed-out rim. The exterior is covered with cord impressed pattern. The surface shows signs of oxidation from being buried in the soil for a long time. Period: Zhou or Shang dynasty circa 1000 B.C.E. Medium : Grey earthenware with impressed decoration Type : Tripod vessel Size : 29cm (Height) x 35cm(Diameter) Condition : Good Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong Reference : 1) V&A Museum - ACCESSION NUMBER C.87-1954 2) Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art - ACCESSION NUMBER F1984.13 3) The University of Chicago - OBJECT NUMBER 1989.1 4) The MET - Accession Number: 1972.275.5 5) Kyoto National Museum - Three-footed Earthenware Vessel * Shang Dynasty Pottery (1600-1046 BCE) The Shang dynasty, known for its significant advancements in bronze casting, also produced notable pottery. Shang pottery is characterized by its practical use and simple designs, reflecting the utilitarian needs of the society. The pottery from this period includes both coarse wares used for everyday purposes and fine, high-quality ceramics used in ritualistic contexts. Common forms include jars, bowls, and cups, often with a dark, burnished surface. One distinctive feature of Shang pottery is the use of gray clay, and many pieces display clear signs of oxidation, giving them a unique, mottled appearance. The decorations were typically incised or stamped, featuring geometric patterns, zoomorphic designs, and motifs that are also seen in Shang bronze...

A dark gray pottery vessel with a smooth, unglazed surface and three rounded legs. The body is encircled by a twisted band, with a slanted spout and a large opening shaped like a fac...

It features two small lug handles on either side of the neck and a spout opposite the main handle. This ewer might have been used for wine or other liquids, which were poured through...