Shi zun

Shi zun (Chinese: 豕尊; pinyin: Shǐ Zūn) is an ancient Chinese ritual bronze zun vessel, shaped like a boar, from the late Shang dynasty (1600–1046 BC). It was excavated in 1981 from Chuanxingshan, Xiangtan County, Hunan and now is preserved in the Hunan Museum.[1][2]

Shi zun
豕尊
The Shi zun is exhibited in the Hunan Museum.
MaterialBronze
Long72-centimetre (28 in)
Height40-centimetre (16 in)
Weight30-kilogram (66 lb)
CreatedShang dynasty (1600–1046 BC)
Discovered1981
Chuanxingshan, Xiangtan County, Hunan, China
Discovered byZhu Guiwu (朱桂武)
Present locationHunan Museum

Description
Shi zun.

The Shi zun is 72-centimetre (28 in) long, 40-centimetre (16 in) high and weighs 30-kilogram (66 lb). It is shaped like a wild boar with two tusks. It has an oval opening on the top and a hollow interior. Its whole body is decorated with patterns of scutes, clouds, dragons and animal faces.[2][3]

Function

A zun is a kind of wine vessel. There are many theories about why it is made from bronze, including to exorcise evil spirits, to please the gods, or as a medium of communication between man and gods.[2]

Discovery

In early 1981, Zhu Guiwu (朱桂武), a Hunanese villager from Chuanxingshan of Xiangtan County, discovered the Shi zun when he dug the foundation of his new house. It was identified by the cultural relics department as a Shang dynasty Chinese ritual bronze zun vessel.[2]

References
  1. 铜猪尊. beijingreview.com.cn (in Chinese). 2008-11-05.
  2. 商代豕形猪尊. hnmuseum.com (in Chinese). 2017.
  3. 青铜豕尊(图). 163.com (in Chinese). 2012-07-12.

Further reading
  • Li Song (2015). Chinese Bronze Ware: A Mirror of Culture. Beijing: China Intercontinental Press. ISBN 9787508533766.
  • Christian Deydier (2016). 《读懂中国青铜器：文化、形式、功能与图案》 [Understanding Ancient Chinese Bronzes: Their Importance in Chinese Culture, Their Shapes, Functions and Motifs] (in English and Chinese). Beijing: Yilin Press. ISBN 9787544752114.
  • 《中国青铜器全集：商代》 [Complete Works of Chinese Bronze Wares: Shang Dynasty] (in Chinese). Beijing: Cultural Relics Publishing House. 2005. ISBN 9787501010363.
  • Jin Weinuo (2010). 《中国美术全集：青铜器》 [Complete Works of Chinese Art: Bronze Ware] (in Chinese). Anhui: Huangshan Publishing House. ISBN 9787546113722.
  • Liu Wei; Duan Guoqiang; Peng Shifan (2016). 《中国艺术史图典·青铜器卷》 [History of Chinese Art: Bronze Ware] (in Chinese). Shanghai: Shanghai Lexicographical Publishing House. ISBN 9787532647958.
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