Lidded ritual food cauldron (ding) with dragons

Object Details

• Description

  Ding (Xinzheng type) with deep cauldron covered by domed lid with flattened top surmounted by flaring rim. The legs are curved, bulging at the top and splayed toward the bottom. The two handles are shaped as rectangular loops and bent outward. The decoration consists of continuous bands of small, interlaced unit repeated again and again. The frieze under the rim is widest. Beneath a molded band which encircles the vessel below the main frieze, there is a narrow zone in which the same interlaced unit is repeated. On the lid are concentric friezes of this same design. Below the narrow frieze on the belly is a wreath of hanging petals filled with symmetrical figures of curls.

• Provenance

  From at least 1969 to 1970

  Eugene Meyer (1875-1959) and Agnes E. Meyer (1887-1970), Washington, DC, and Mt. Kisco, NY [1]

  From 1970

  Freer Gallery of Art, bequeathed by Agnes E. Meyer [2]

  Notes:

  [1] The object is included in Agnes E. Meyer’s will and testament dated December 23, 1969, copy in object file.

  [2] See Agnes E. Meyer’s will and testament cited in note 2.

• Collection

  Freer Gallery of Art Collection

• Exhibition History

  Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Memorial Exhibition (September 25, 1971 to October 2, 1972)

• Previous custodian or owner

  Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer ((1875-1959) and (1887-1970))

• Origin

  China

• Credit Line

  Gift of Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer

• Type

  Vessel

• Restrictions and Rights

  Usage Conditions Apply

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Keep Exploring

• Related Resources

  collections.si.edu

• Date

  BCE 0s

• Name

  Meyer, Eugene and Agnes E.

• Place

  China

• Topic

  Bronze, Art, Sculpture, Eastern Zhou dynasty (770 - 221 BCE), Chinese Art, Dragon, Metal-work

• Culture

  Chinese

• Object Type

  Vessels (containers)