Rectangular Bronze Ding ( ritual vessel ) with Human Face

A Chinese Ding is something like a tripod. This Ding has two handles on the top of its brim and four underlying legs. The most attractive parts, however, are the four human face reliefs on its belly. These faces have thick brows and large eyes, high nose ridges and protruding cheekbones, tightly-shut mouths and serious expressions. On each side of each forehead is a zigzagging small horn, and on every side of each cheek an animal paw. This indicates that these are not human faces but rather the images of gods or grotesque spirits.