Glass vase in the shape of Hu bronze vessel, Qing Dynasty, 1644-1912
Glass
heigh: 13.4 cm
ES.156.22
A small Chinese glass vase in the shape of an archaic ritual bronze vessel called Hu. Cast glass with a globular body, a flaring trump-shaped neck, a flat rim, all...
A small Chinese glass vase in the shape of an archaic ritual bronze vessel called Hu. Cast glass with a globular body, a flaring trump-shaped neck, a flat rim, all supported by a long pedestal foot. The surface of the vessel is embellished with small studs in relief as well as with geometrical figures on the neck and the base. The body is flanked by two beast-headed handles with suspending loose rings. The side of the vase is decorated by taotie motifs in high relief. The shape and the decoration show resemblance to Chinese ritual and religious metal wares, such as, for example, a bronze wine vessel (late 9th century BC) from the National Palace Museum in Taiwan, two bronze vases from the collections of the British Museum (registration number 1895,1220.9-10).