Gourd-shaped bronze wine vessel from Shanxi Museum

How many animals can you spot on this ancient bronze wine vessel? Dating from the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), this bronze jar resembles a delicate gourd, with its neck curving gently. A bird, perched on the lid as a knob, has its beak wide open and claws gripping two writhing snakes. A tiger-shaped handle holds a ring attached to the bird’s tail by a chain, reminiscent of steppe nomadic horse gear. The coiled dragon and rivet motifs on the vessel’s belly reveal the lush Chu culture of southern China.

Unearthed in 1988 from the Tomb of Jin State Minister Zhao in Jinsheng village, Taiyuan, this bronze artifact is now housed at Shanxi Museum.