Zun Pan (ritual vessel) Inscribed with “Zeng Hou Yi”

The Zun Pan(ritual vessel) inscribed with “Zeng Hou Yi” was excavated in 1978 from the Tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng in Suizhou, Hubei Province. The set consists of two components: a Zun (a beaker-shaped rectangular vessel, with flaring lip)and a Pan(a wide shallow bowl for washing vessels or for ablutions, usually with a high foot-rim and two ears for lifting). The Zuntands 30.1 cm high with a mouth diameter of 25 cm, while the Panmeasures 23.5 cm in height with a mouth diameter of 58 cm.

The rim of the Zunis adorned with multi-layered openwork attachments. From a distance they resemble clouds, yet on closer inspection they are composed of innumerable interlacing dragons and snakes rendered in openwork patterns, coiling and entwining as if moving through the air. Clinging to the neck of the Zunare four leopards climbing upward with their heads turning back and tongues protruding. Their bodies are likewise adorned with openwork dragon-and-snake patterns. The belly and the ring foot of the Zunare densely covered with panchi motifs (intertwined hydras) and high-relief dragons. The Panis even more elaborately crafted. In addition to the same openwork decoration along the rim as that of the Zun, the four lug handles on its body are also formed from countless interwoven dragons and snakes rendered in openwork patterns. The Zun Pan(ritual vessel) inscribed with “Zeng Hou Yi” is a masterpiece of bronze artifacts from Shang and Zhou Dynasties(1600-256 BC).