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Bird-shaped bronze vessel exudes vividness and elegance
Updated: Mar 17, 2025
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Take a closer look at this Western Zhou Dynasty (c.11th century-771 BC) bird-shaped bronze zun – a ceremonial wine container, blending elegance and utility.
With a hook-like beak, the bird has a hollow body with a rectangular opening on its back for holding wine. Intricate scale-like feather patterns adorn the body and chain-like designs are seen on the tail. Three sturdy legs are unique, not only for balance, but also inspired by the legendary three-legged sun crow from Chinese mythology.
Unearthed in 1974 in Baoji, Shaanxi, this rare bronze zun is now housed in the Baoji Bronze Ware Museum.
