CHINA, Song period (960-1279). Square-section zun-type ritual vase whose surface is divided by 8 vertical crenellated friezes punctuated by taotie masks and elephant heads in high relief. The wide, flared neck is encircled by a band of stylized birds under long palms. The surface of the central part and the flared base are decorated with kui dragons on a background of archaic geometric motifs. In the background, ideograms are engraved on one of the inner walls. Bronze. H: 27 cm. (Broken and glued)

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