Chinese wine sets Ⅰ: Bronze wine vessels of the Shang and Zhou Dynasties

The bronze wine vessel prevailed in the Xia, Shang and Zhou Dynasties is a kind of ritual articles symbolizing the identity and authority of the Emperor and vassals besides its practical usage. Presently among the unearthed bronze wine vessels, many are refined products in magnificent designs out of master hands, such as the Square Pot with Lotus and Crane Design, the Square Jar in Four-Sheep shape and the Rhinoceros-shaped Wine Vessel, etc. Animal images are carved on these vessels in freestanding or relief, including real animals such as rhinoceros, elephant, tiger, horse and sheep; some of them combine different animal features in one, generating an extraordinary artistic power out of imagination.