Jewels in Her Crown: Treasures of Columbia University Libraries Special Collections

Exhibition Themes > East Asian Collections > 15. Vessel (gui)

15.  Vessel (gui). China, Zhou Dynasty, 1050-256 BCE. Bronze, (height 15.9 cm., bottom diameter 30.5 cm.) Office of Art Properties

This bronze ceremonial vessel, with its smooth green patina, is a type (gui) that was used as a container for food, probably for grain. The body is round, with two dragon head handles and a band of conventional dragon motifs on the upper part. The vessel is raised on three legs, which are given the form of human figures.

Sackler Collections at Columbia University

Columbia University Libraries / Butler Library / 535 West 114th St. / New York, NY 10027 / (212) 854-7309 / info@libraries.cul.columbia.edu