An archaic bronze libation vessel, jue

商 青銅爵

Shang dynasty, 12th/11th century B.C.

The deep U-shaped body is cast on each side with a taotie mask with bulging eyes on a leiwen ground, now partially obscured by patina, divided by vertical flanges below a band of upright triangular blades. The rim is raised at the back to form a 'U'-shaped channel at the spout set with semi-circular capped posts above the loop handle issuing from a bovine mask over a two character pictogram. The whole is supported on tripod legs of triangular section. The patina has a green colour with reddish areas
Height 18.5 cm

商 青銅爵
時代：商朝，西元前12至11世紀。
特徵：此酒器的雙側各有一雷紋底饕餮紋，器身下連三高足。
尺寸：高18.5公分。