Museum Updates
The earliest known bronze vessel shaped like a foal
Updated: Jan 29, 2026
China Bound
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As the Chinese New Year of the Horse approaches, meet a true senior among horse-shaped artifacts – a bronze foal-shaped zun vessel from the Western Zhou Dynasty (c.11th century-771 BC).
This lifelike foal stands proudly with its head held high, perky ears, short mane, and a dangling tail. Its hollow body and lidded opening on the back reveal its function as a ritual vessel. Look closer, inscriptions cast on its neck, chest, and inside the lid record a royal ceremony in which the Zhou king awarded official Li two foals. In gratitude, Li commissioned this vessel.
With remarkable realism, the foal showcases the superb bronze-casting skills of the Western Zhou period. Unearthed in 1955 in Meixian county, Shaanxi, it is now in the collection of the National Museum of China.
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