Food container (yu)

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Food container (yu) is a bronze vessel with a wide mouth and a narrow base. The body is rounded and slightly curved. It has an everted rim, and the base is flared. The exterior surface features various intricate designs and inscriptions. The designs include geometric patterns, such as circles and rectangles, and the inscriptions appear to be written in a language that resembles ancient Chinese characters. Three small circular decorations are on the front, with two small holes on either side. Two more holes are on the bottom. The color of the vessel appears to be a dark gray or bronze patina.