Lidded ritual wine container (zun) in the form of a bird

Keith Wilson, "Art and Industry: China's Ancient Houma Foundry," October 14, 2017 to Apr 15, 2018, Gallery 18, Freer Gallery of Art, Smithsonian Institution)

Wine container in the form of a bird with dragon interlace
Middle Eastern Zhou dynasty, ca. 500–450 BCE
State of Jin, Houma foundry
Gift of Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer F1961.30

Party Animals
Formal banquets played an important role in diplomacy during the Zhou dynasty. Large or novel objects were made to impress guests, who had plenty of time to study the attractive pieces on the table.

Bird or Pitcher?
Shaped like a bird of prey, this cleverly engineered container held liquids, most probably a grain-based alcohol. Although parts of this vessel resemble an actual bird, the designer created an imaginary being that rewards closer looking. On the surface, natural textures of feathers and scales are combined with abstract interlaced patterns. When the “bird” stands on its feet, it is difficult to see where the lid and body join at the neck. A hidden hinge allows the beak to open as a spout. A nobleman evidently owned this object, since the back of the creature’s head is inscribed in gold “a gentleman’s esteemed bird.”