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Bronze water container from more than 2,000 years ago
Updated: May 9, 2023
govt.chinadaily.com.cn
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In ancient China, aristocrats washed their hands and faces using a yi (water container) to pour water and a pan (water container) to hold waste water. Here is a bronze yi with a phoenix-head-shaped spout, dating back to the early Warring States Period (475-221 BC). Feather and scale patterns adorn its belly. A smaller bird head embellishes its curled bird-tail-shaped handle.
This exquisitely-designed yi was unearthed from a tomb in Tangxian county, Baoding city, Hebei province, and now is in the permanent collection of the Hebei Museum.
