Ritual wine warmer (jia) with masks (taotie)

Detail of a pattern
Image 1 of 3
Download Image IIIF

Terms of Use

Usage Conditions Apply

At A Glance

  • Period

    ca. 1250-1200 BCE
  • Geography

    Anyang, probably Henan province, China
  • Material

    Bronze
  • Dimension

    H x W x D: 52.8 × 28.6 × 30.5 cm (20 13/16 × 11 1/4 × 12 in)
  • Accession Number

    F1923.1a-b
  • EDAN ID

    edanmdm:fsg_F1923.1a-b

Object Details

  • Description

    Ceremonial vessel of the type "jia." Smooth, dark green patina. Tip of one leg broken off. Inscription of one character inside bottom.
  • Inscriptions

    Inscribed on the bottom of the interior, Wu 戊 (“[Ancestor] Wu”).
  • Label

    Faulty molding or casting occasionally resulted in containers whose walls are too thin or legs are incomplete, as happened in this tall container.
  • Collection

    Freer Gallery of Art Collection
  • Exhibition History

    Anyang: China's Ancient City of Kings (February 25, 2023 to April 28, 2024)
    Ancient Chinese Jades and Bronzes (November 20, 2010 to January 3, 2016)
    Ancient Chinese Bronzes (May 9, 1993 to February 10, 1997)
    Chinese Art (February 18, 1983 to April 1, 1987)
    Chinese Art (June 15, 1982 to September 24, 1982)
    Chinese Art (March 15, 1982 to June 15, 1982)
    Chinese Art (January 1, 1963 to March 6, 1981)
    Special Exhibition—Chinese Bronzes (November 1, 1961 to March 23, 1962)
    Chinese Bronze, Jade, Marble (March 1, 1957 to January 1, 1963)
    Untitled Exhibition, Chinese Art, 1955 (August 26, 1955 to October 25, 1955)
    Untitled Exhibition, Ancient Chinese Art, 1946 (May 7, 1946 to February 25, 1956)
    Untitled Exhibition, Ancient Chinese Art, 1945 (January 9, 1945 to August 20, 1955)
    Untitled Exhibition, Ancient Chinese Art, 1944 (December 13, 1944 to May 7, 1946)
    Untitled Exhibition, Chinese Metalwork, 1943 (March 22, 1943 to December 13, 1944)
    Untitled Exhibition, Chinese Metalwork (March 14, 1931 to March 22, 1943)
    Chinese Jades and Bronze, East Corridor (November 19, 1923 to March 14, 1931)
  • Origin

    Anyang, probably Henan province, China
  • Credit Line

    Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
  • Type

    Vessel
  • Restrictions and Rights

    Usage Conditions Apply

    There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

    The information presented on this website may be revised and updated at any time as ongoing research progresses or as otherwise warranted. Pending any such revisions and updates, information on this site may be incomplete or inaccurate or may contain typographical errors. Neither the Smithsonian nor its regents, officers, employees, or agents make any representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the information on the site. Use this site and the information provided on it subject to your own judgment. The National Museum of Asian Art welcomes information that would augment or clarify the ownership history of objects in their collections.

Keep Exploring