Archaic Chinese Bronze Water Basin with Mask and Loose-Ring Handles (Jian) axehead Bronzes of Luristan

Bronzes of Luristan

and western (nyaura) subgroups

preserving its ritual contents—seeds

often commissioned by husbands and kept within the home as protective and venerated objects

Archaic Chinese Bronze Water Basin with Mask and Loose-Ring Handles (Jian) axehead Bronzes of LuristanLate Warring States Period or Western Han Dynasty, c. 260 BC 220 AD, Probably from southern Shanxi or northern Henan province, China A magnificent and substantial ancient Chinese bronze basin, known as a jian, elegantly cast with deep rounded sides, an everted rim, and a shallow ring foot. The exterior is encircled by two raised bands, interrupted at opposing sides by large looped handleseach surmounted by a stylized taotie mask from which a robust,