Hu (Jar)

A large bronze hu, a storage or wine vessel with a tall neck, rounded body and footed base, its surface covered in incised bands of stylized dragons, animals and figures. Two small loop handles sit on the shoulder, and the dark patina shows wear and corrosion.

Look closer: Small animal and figure scenes are incised in the lower register, near the base.

Artist

Unknown

Date

481–221 BCE

Medium

bronze

Source

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Size

2666 × 3400 px

Credit (appreciated, not required for public-domain works): The Cleveland Museum of Art, Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund