Gui Food Vessel, 10th Century BCE

Bronze Gui Food Vessel, 10th Century BCE, now in Mia's collection. From the gui's description on artsmia.org: *Toward the mid–Western Zhou, two of the most noticeable changes that occurred in bronze casting involved the abandonment of the taotie (composite animal) mask motif and the adoption of long inscriptions. This gui displays elaborate birds, a popular motif, on its main decorative register. The birds’ flamboyant design, with their crests and peacock-like plumage, is unique. The lengthy inscription, neatly cast into the cauldron’s bottom, reads: 'Zhou King went out to attack Laiyu, then Naohei. Upon his return after victory, he held a liao sacrifice at the capital Zongzhou . He presented to me, X, Duke of Yong, ten strings of cowries. In response, to extol the king’s grace, I have made this precious gui, dedicating it to ancestors. May sons and grandsons forever treasure and use it.'* More information on Mia's website: https://collections.artsmia.org/art/830/gui-food-vessel-china