Archaic Chinese yu ritual container with handle, made of bronze

Decorated with two addorsed owls and a taotie mask on lid, against a lei-wen, or thunder pattern, base.

The pear-shaped body rising from its recessed foot ring is decorated with a pair of addorsed owls positioned “back to back” on two sides, with three concentric bands on the neck, rim, and midsection. Handle is decorated with a floral and vine motif in low relief.

Domed lid has a band matching ones on the body and is decorated with a taotie mask, topped with a finial. 

Both body and lid are cast in flat relief against dense lei-wen grounds, representing thunder. Scattered bright green malachite, especially on the lower section, over a reddish-brown cuprite patination. 

Dates to Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BCE) dynasty (approx. 1046–771 BCE).

Please compare with similar yu in the Met Museum collection (Object Numbers: 1988.20.1a, b; 24.72.3a, b; and 24.72.2a–c)

Measures approx. 9” x 4” including lid

Age-related wear, base separation, patina (See pics)