Vessel (gong)

Similar to B60 J473, this gray jade vessel combines elements from different periods. It is one of the standard forms of the gong, an ornate vessel from the Bronze Age. This example has the chi dragon handle familiar to the type and another such young scaleless dragon emerging from the side of the vessel. The base consists of a large monster facing upward: its ears and horns make the feet of the vessel while its gaping jaws appear to bite the body of the cup. The remainder of the body is covered with linked spirals and scale patterns, some of which derive from Spring and Autumn Period and Warring States Period jades; others are more closely related to early bronze decor. The shape of this piece is somewhat awkward and the workmanship perfunctory, typical of the Ming dynasty. The archaic look of the vessel has been enhanced by dyes and exposure to heat.