Other Models
Notable features of the motif models preserved in the IHP include engraved lines or red ink sketches on large relief motifs. The underdrawings are simple, entirely different from the reliefs and sophisticated motifs appeared on bronzes. We hypothesize that these underdrawings on the models are reference markings, and after being embossed, the craft workers could carve more elaborate motifs on outer molds.
Artifact R016666 is a relief model with coiled kui dragon pattern, on which the surface has a layer of white clay with red ink depicted dragon scale patterns. R16667 has a motif of a relief C-shaped horn, which may be part of a larger zoomorphic mask pattern, and there are roughly incised lines on the pattern. To date, a bronze with a zoomorphic mask pattern of such size has yet to be discovered. R053109 is the model of a handle, with a simple scale-shaped feather pattern on the front and other feather pattern on each side. R017003, a relief model with bird claw pattern, is probably used to embellish a large bronze such as tsun vessel. R016671 is ellipsoid carved with back-to-back animal mask patterns which is very likely to be a knob model for a more oval-shaped bronze such as a yu or chih vessel.
- Period
- 殷商
- Excavated/Findspot
- 河南安陽殷墟小屯
- Notes
- 1. Dragon Pattern Model, R016666, Hsiao-t’un
2. Zoomorphic mask Pattern Model, R016667, Hsiao-t’un
3. Handle Model, R053109, Pit YH24, Hsiao-t’un
4. Animal Mask Pattern Model, R017003, Hsiao-t’un
5. Animal Mask Pattern Model, R016671, Hsiao-t’un
