Elephant Zun Vase at The Guimet Museum, Paris

myminifactory

The zun is a type of ancient Chinese bronze or ceramic wine vessel with a round or square vase-like form, sometimes shaped like an animal. Dating from the Shang Dynasty, these vessels were used in religious ceremonies to hold wine, featuring a wide lip for easy pouring. Found in various shapes, including dragons, oxen, geese, and more, one notable zun is the He zun. The zun serves as a ritual container to hold wine in ancient Chinese culture, designed as a tall cup without handles or legs. Its mouth is typically broader than its body. As a ritual vessel, it provides wine offerings to the deceased through ceremonial practices. Some types of zun vessels, like the Xi zun, not only stored wine but also kept it warm, a unique combination of functions discovered in just one bronze piece. The zun comes in various forms, ranging from simple to detailed decoration. Vessels can be square, cylindrical, or modeled after animals such as elephants, oxen, sheep, horses, rhinoceroses, and birds. The basic shape used throughout many is cylindrical, with variations that include tall and slender forms and short and round shapes. Decorations on the vessels vary in content and relief height, sometimes giving off a textured impression or emphasizing the vessel's form by being smooth. Taller vessel forms often feature flanges on their sides, starting at the upper lip and extending down to the foot of the vessel. This object is part of "Scan The World," a non-profit initiative created by MyMiniFactory to build a digital archive of 3D printable sculptures and artworks from across the globe for free public access. Scan The World is an open-source community effort, inviting contributions of interesting items via email at stw@myminifactory.com.