Ritual wine container (fanghu) with birds

Detail of a pattern
Image 1 of 1
Download Image IIIF

Terms of Use

Usage Conditions Apply

At A Glance

  • Period

    ca. 950-850 BCE
  • Geography

    China
  • Material

    Bronze
  • Dimension

    H x W x D: 41.3 x 28.5 x 21.5 cm (16 1/4 x 11 1/4 x 8 7/16 in)
  • Accession Number

    S1987.13
  • EDAN ID

    edanmdm:fsg_S1987.13

Object Details

  • Provenance

    At least by 1968-1987
    Arthur M. Sackler (1913-1987), method of acquisition unknown [1]
    From 1987
    Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, gift of Arthur M. Sackler [1]
    Notes:
    [1] See Robert Poor, “Bronze Ritual Vessels of Ancient China” [slide lecture] (International Arts Press, New York City, 1968, slide number 1-6-1.
    Dr. Arthur M. Sackler was a physician, medical publisher, pharmaceutical marketer, and collector of Asian art.
    [2] Pursuant to the agreement between Arthur M. Sackler and the Smithsonian Institution, dated July 28, 1982, legal title of the donated objects was transferred to the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery on September 11, 1987.
    Research updated July 7, 2023
  • Collection

    Arthur M. Sackler Collection
  • Exhibition History

    In Praise of Ancestors: Ritual Objects from China (September 28, 1987 to January 1, 1989)
  • Previous custodian or owner

    Dr. Arthur M. Sackler (1913-1987)
  • Origin

    China
  • Credit Line

    Gift of Arthur M. Sackler
  • 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