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Wine beaker (gu)

동제 고 중국 상|銅製觚 中國 商|Wine beaker (gu)

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Date
13th–11th century BCE
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
H. 12 1/4 in. (31.1 cm); Diam. 6 11/16 in. (17 cm)
Culture
China
Classification
Metalwork
Department
Asian Art
Gallery
233
Location
233
Credit
Gift of Ernest Erickson Foundation, 1985

Description

Overview Wine beaker (gu) China 13th–11th century BCE Not on view The gu is a type of ritual bronze that was used to drink wine and to offer ritual libations. It has a tall, slender profile with a trumpet-like mouth and a slightly flared base. Below center, there is often a demarcated section with geometric patterns and animal mask (taotie) imagery.