Bronze water container from more than 2,000 years ago

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.