Antique bronze Chinese ceremonial wine vessel known as 'jue'. The traditional, ancient style of this vessel originates in the Chinese Longshan culture (2500-2000 BCE). In this (neolithic) period, such vessels were made as earthenware/pottery. During the Shang and Zhou periods of the Chinese bronze age, the design evolved into its nowadays more common bronze version. The jue vessel was probably one of the earliest vessel types to be cast in bronze.
The jue cups are the most common type of vessels found in the tombs of Shang dynasty elite. Oracle bone inscriptions from this period suggest they were (for example) used to pour wine as libation to the owner's ancestors and the Supreme Deity (Shangdi) during divination ceremonies. Also during particular festivals they were used in temple ceremonies. During the later Zhou period, the use of the jue vessels became more formalised with a prescribed set of ritual actions.
This bronze jue is an old one already and shows some signs of its age, including some minor oxidation spots, but overall it is still in good condition.
As can be seen on some of the detail pictures, some inscriptions have been stamped into the legs of this jue. Unfortunately we have not been able to translate these, but it's quite common for cups such as these to be inscribed with for example dedications to the ancestors, indications to the specific purpose of the cup and references to the maker of the cup and the period and region of manufacturing.
Sizes; 11,5 centimeters high, measured the maximum height including the column-shaped protuberances (which are a typical, traditional part of this style of vessel and were historically most likely used to tie leather straps on, with which the vessel could be lifted). 9 centimeters wide, measured at its broadest. And 184 grams.
