Wine Vessel (zhi) with Design of Phoenixes and Kui-Dragons

Culture: Chinese
Dynasty: Shang dynasty, c.1600–c.1046 BCE
Date: early 11th century BCE
Material: Bronze
associated with: Anyang, Henan province, China, Asia
Classification: Containers, metalwork
Collection: Asian Art
Current Location: On View, Gallery 233
Dimensions: height: 5 3/4 in. (14.6 cm)
width of mouth: 3 5/8 in. (9.2 cm)
depth of mouth: 3 1/8 in. (7.9 cm)
width of body: 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm)
depth of body: 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm)
width of foot: 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm)
depth of foot: 2 3/4 in. (7 cm)
weight: 1 lb. 12.8 oz. (0.8 kg)
Credit Line: Gift of J. Lionberger Davis
Rights: Public Domain
Object Number: 215:1950

NOTES

The unique shape and unusual decoration of this ancient bronze wine cup distinguishes it from all other known ritual vessels ever made in China. Sacred implements for wine came in a variety of sizes, shapes, and functions. Unlike most other wine cups, which are round in shape and stolid in profile, this object has a beautiful outline. Its presentation and fine lines are complemented by four elegantly plumed, stilt-legged, long-necked phoenixes, an extremely rare motif among ancient Chinese bronzes. The raised foot is decorated with confronting one-legged kui-dragons.

Provenance

- 1948
Robert G. Somerville, Chicago, IL, USA [1]

1948 - 1950
J. Lionberger Davis (1878–1973), St. Louis, MO, USA, purchased from Robert G. Somerville [2]

1950 -
Saint Louis Art Museum, given by J. Lionberger Davis [3]

Notes:
[1] In a letter from Robert G. Somerville to J. Lionberger Davis dated May 19, 1948, Somerville stated that the object had been recently excavated at Anyang, China [SLAM document files]. It is unclear whether Somerville acquired directly from the excavation or not.

[2] Purchased from Robert G. Somerville on May 19, 1948. Purchase also mentioned in the list of art objects that J. Lionberger Davis gave the Museum, dated December 11, 1950; J. Lionberger Davis collection record card [SLAM document files].

[3] Minutes of the Administrative Board of Control of the City Art Museum, December 7, 1950.

We regularly update records, which may be incomplete. If you have additional information, please contact us at provenance@slam.org.