Rectangular wine container (fangyi)
During the early Western Zhou dynasty, coherent animal mask images morphed into increasingly abstract patterns defined by curving, ribbon-like lines.
A composite character is cast both on the interior of the vessel and on the inside of the lid: “Fu” (name, in the center) and “mian” (designation of rank, on either side).
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.