3D Gallery of the IHP

Unearthed from sacrificial pit M1022 at Hsi-pei-kang, Yinxu archaeological site, this artifact was found on the inner side of the left knee of a human skeleton. Two of the jue vessel’s legs were severed and scattered nearby. Regarding the historical development of jue vessels, flat-bottomed ones represent an earlier form, with their bases later developing into a rounded, bulbous shape during the mid-Shang dynasty. The decorative style of this vessel—discovered at Hsi-pei-kang, a late Shang burial site—follows traditions established from the Erligang period, representing the latest stage of development of the flat-bottomed jue: the vessel features mushroom-shaped posts, while the spout and tail extend outward at a relatively wide angle; the decorative band around the neck narrows, with triangular and eye motifs replacing the earlier taotie motif; in contrast, the taotie band on the body is considerably wider. A single-character inscription, zhong 中, is cast on the body opposite the inner side of the handle.