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Vessel (gui)
Vessel (gui)

Vessel (gui)

Place of OriginCentral Plains, China
Dateapprox. 1300-1050 BCE
DynastyShang dynasty (approx. 1600-1050 BCE)
MaterialsHigh-fired gray earthenware with burnished black surface and incised and applique decoration
DimensionsH. 4 1/4 in x Diam. 6 1/2 in, H. 10.8 cm x Diam. 16.5 cm
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB60P433
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsCeramics
On View
Not on view
More Information
The ceramic yin was adapted in bronzes with a stern form and stylized decoration. Ceramic bowls in turn began to imitate their bronze renditions, as seen in this piece. Contemporary with white ceramic wares, black wares were less commonly made by the Shang. Production of this type of burnished-black surface has been reported primarily from the Yinxu site, phases III and IV (KGXB 1979.1: 71; KG 1958.10: pl. 4), and was perhaps transported to the east and to the south, to Shandong (KG 1985.4: 303-21) and Anhui (KG 1989.2: 114).