It follows models of the Shang Dynasty. China, 20th century

It follows models of the Shang Dynasty (1750-1045 B.C.). China, 20th century.
Ritual vessel "Gui".
Patinated bronze.
It has rust and wear.
Measurements: 21 x 32 x 19 cm.

The gui is a bronze ritual vessel used in ancient China, especially during the Shang Dynasty, to contain offerings of grain and cooked meat in religious and funeral ceremonies dedicated to the ancestors. The vessel shown here faithfully reproduces a Gui from the Shang reign. The zoomorphic heads on the handles could act as symbolic protectors of the contents and also represent the spiritual power of the noble clans, often associated with certain animals.

The gui was part of a ceremonial set that included other vessels such as the ding (for meat), the zun (for wine) and the you (for oil). Rituals of sacrifice to ancestors were essential to maintain cosmic order and dynastic legitimacy. Possessing objects such as gui indicated elevated status within the aristocratic hierarchy.