Ritual Wine Vessel (Jue)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Ancient Ritual Wine Vessel, or Jue, a green, bronze Chinese vessel with a wide mouth and curved handles on either side; three long, tapered legs; a small, cylindrical protrusion on the lid; and a band of raised rectangular motifs around the body. The vessel has a predominantly green patina with areas of red and brown showing through. The body is decorated with a panel on either side featuring a face; each of the curved handles is decorated with a bird; and the legs are plain. A small handle is on one side. The vessel sits on a gray background with a subtle shadow underneath.