Whereas basins were used for cold water in the Shang dynasty, stoneware vessels, including this lidded vase, are for holding warm water. This stoneware vase has been unearthed alongside a single-handled small cauldron, a bronze spoon, and the remains of two humans. It is similar in shape to one discovered at sacrificial pit M229 located in the northern section of Wuguancun, Anyang. The circular lid tightly fits the vase and has a foot ring, allowing it to be inverted. Ropes can be threaded through the two lugs situated on each side to suspend or hoist the vase. This form and practice continued to be applied to Yu Fou Water Vessel in some southern states into the Spring and Autumn period (770–476 BCE).
- Item No.
- R000171
- Period
- Late 14th-mid 11th century B.C.
- Dimensions
- Height 26.6, diameter of mouth 16.0 cm.
- Excavated/Findspot
- Sacrificial Pit M1380, Hsi -pei-kang, Anyang, Honan
- Materials
- Pottery
