Hu wine vessel

myminifactory

The ancient storage vessel stands out as a prominent example within a significant group of hunting-scene hu, which showcase the profound impact of China's northern frontier nomadic art. Four distinct bands vividly depict men expertly pursuing birds, deer, boars, and tigers with precision-crafted spears, knives, and bows at hand. Shoulder panels on the vessel display an archer confidently shooting from the back of a four-horse chariot with a skilled driver in control. These captivating pictorial scenes of human action represent a groundbreaking shift in bronze art. Previously, during the Shang and Zhou periods, sacred symbols and stylized animals were formally arranged according to strict hierarchy and symmetry. The subject here appears decidedly secular rather than reverent.