Uploaded December 2023 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
This bronze vessel was used for heating and holding wine. It takes the form of a standing goose, with the extended neck serving as the spout.
The date of this vessel is difficult to ascertain. The incised hatch lines, engraved after the casting of the bronze, delineate the eyes, webbed feet, and tail feathers as well as the handle design. Although rare, such engraving contributes to the Han-dynasty dating. Two small lions, more typical of Tang-dynasty (618–907 C.E.) bronzes, support a handle on the goose’s back. Scientific testing has ascertained that the handle was cast at the same time as the vessel and not added later.
Explore more from our Arts of Asia and the Islamic World on the second floor of the Museum.
The Object Deep Dive series was made possible with support from the Freeman Foundation.
This bronze vessel was used for heating and holding wine. It takes the form of a standing goose, with the extended neck serving as the spout.
The date of this vessel is difficult to ascertain. The incised hatch lines, engraved after the casting of the bronze, delineate the eyes, webbed feet, and tail feathers as well as the handle design. Although rare, such engraving contributes to the Han-dynasty dating. Two small lions, more typical of Tang-dynasty (618–907 C.E.) bronzes, support a handle on the goose’s back. Scientific testing has ascertained that the handle was cast at the same time as the vessel and not added later.
Explore more from our Arts of Asia and the Islamic World on the second floor of the Museum.
The Object Deep Dive series was made possible with support from the Freeman Foundation.
