China: Ox-shaped zun (wine vessel), Spring & Autumn Period (early 6th century BCE), Zhou Dynasty (c. 1046 - 256 BCE), Shanghai Museum, Shanghai

The zun is an ancient type of Chinese bronze or ceramic wine vessel with a round or square vase-like form, and sometimes in the shape of an animal.

The Zhou had long been vassals of the Shang, but eventually grew strong enough to defeat them in warfare in the 11th century BCE. They continued to hold sway until the 5th century BCE. Chinese boundaries were expanded, land reform was instituted and towns were built. Also, the declining years of the Zhou era produced two of China’s most influential thinkers, Kongfuzi (Confucius) and Laozi (Lao Tzu).

Copyright:

CPA Media Co. Ltd.

Photographer:

David Henley

Credit:

Pictures From Asia