Zun Vase In Bronze, China, End Of The Song (960-1279) Period

China, Song period (960-1279). Zun-type ritual vase of square section whose surface is divided by 8 vertical crenellated friezes punctuated by taotie masks and elephant heads in high relief. The wide flared collar is surrounded by a band of stylized birds under long fins. The surface of the central part as well as of the flared base are occupied by a decoration of kui dragons on a background of archaic geometric patterns.
In the background are engraved ideograms on one of the interior walls.