In ancient China, aristocrats washed their hands and faces using a yi (water container) to pour water and a pan (water container) to hold waste water. Here is a bronze yi with a phoenix-head-shaped spout, dating back to the early Warring States Period (475-221 BC). Feather and scale patterns adorn its belly. A smaller bird head embellishes its curled bird-tail-shaped handle.
This exquisitely-designed yi was unearthed from a tomb in Tangxian county, Baoding city, Hebei province, and now is in the permanent collection of the Hebei Museum.
Intangible Cultural Heritage
Fire Dragon Dance brings fiery night spectacle to Datong, Shanxi
Festivals & Cutoms
Foreign tourists explore Yunnan's ethnic culture through Yi Torch Festival