Unknown

Ritual wine vessel, hu

Details

Artist

Unknown

Title

Ritual wine vessel, hu

Date

Late Western Zhou dynasty, c.850-771 BC

Medium

Bronze

Reference

CVCSC 0180.A

Collection

British Folk Art

Status

On Display

Early hu vessels were little more than a variation of the you, but after the change in ritual, pairs of imposing hu (more examples of which can be seen in the Wine, Cooking and Food section of this gallery) established it as a major vessel type. The hu retained its popularity long after the Bronze Age ended. Excavated vessels were sought after by collectors, and versions in porcelain or other materials were used on altars and in homes to hold owers.

Ritual wine vessel, hu Late Western Zhou dynasty, c.850-771 BC © Compton Verney