Ritual basin (pan) with dragons, fish, tigers, and birds
![Detail of a pattern](https://asia.si.edu/wp-content/themes/custom/nmaa/nmaa-frontend/public/images/hero-bkgrnd-desktop.jpg)
Terms of Use
Usage Conditions ApplyAt A Glance
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Period
ca. 1250-1150 BCE -
Geography
Anyang, probably Henan province, China -
Material
Bronze -
Dimension
H x Diam: 12.1 × 32.5 cm (4 3/4 × 12 13/16 in) -
Accession Number
F1956.26 -
EDAN ID
edanmdm:fsg_F1956.26
Object Details
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Description
Decoration cast in relief but mainly in intaglio. Single character inscription. Green patination with some cuprite in the fossae. Foot dented. -
Inscriptions
Inscribed on the interior of the basin, Xue 爻(學) (“Education Officer”) -
Provenance
To 1956J. T. Tai & Co., New York, New York. [1]From 1956Freer Gallery of Art, purchased from J. T. Tai & Co., New York, New York. [2]Notes:[1] See object file, Collections Management Office.[2] See note 1. -
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 (March 15, 1982 to June 15, 1982)Chinese Art (January 1, 1963 to March 6, 1981)Chinese Bronze, Jade, Marble (March 1, 1957 to January 1, 1963) -
Previous custodian or owner
J. T. Tai & Co. (established in 1950) -
Origin
Anyang, probably Henan province, China -
Credit Line
Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment -
Type
Vessel -
Restrictions and Rights
Usage Conditions Apply
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