Gong wine vessel

myminifactory

The Gong is a type of ritual vessel that serves wine, crafted during the reigns of King Wu and King Zhao in late Shang (c. 1300-1046 BCE) and early Western Zhou (c. 1046-977 BCE) dynasties. Discovered in Anyang, this deep boat-shaped pouring vessel showcases nearly flawless craftsmanship. Taotie masks adorn the handle and lower sides of the gong, while three dragons decorate its surface. The consecutive dragons on the neck belt are distinct from one another. A beaked dragon with a C-shaped horn appears on the upper register to the right, while the dragon beneath the spout boasts a heart-shaped horn that mirrors the curve of the rim. The lid is shaped like a beast with bottle-shaped horns and a fierce mouth, its long body extending down and looping at the end. These features echo those found on gongs excavated from Fuhao's tomb, consort to King Wuding (r. c. 1250-1192 BCE), making Mia's example one of the earliest known gongs.