Unique bronze wine vessel from 3,000 years ago

This bronze zun (wine vessel), dating back to the early Western Zhou Dynasty (c.11th century-771 BC), has a shape different from that of ordinary bronze wares – it has a long neck, a square body and a wide and round mouth. Plain and black-colored, it has a beast's head and bird tail-shaped decor.

There is a 22-character inscription carved on the vessel stating that its owner, the Marquis of the Lu State, conquered the eastern countries, from which its name Zun of the Marquis of the Lu State is derived.

Donated by collector Li Yinxuan’s wife to the Shanghai Museum, the zun is an important ritual vessel that provides clues for the research of civilization 3,000 years ago.