HAN DYNASTY (206 BC-AD 220)

The present zun vessel is distinguished by its three human-form supports. A similar human footed basin from the Capital Museum is illustrated in the Zhongguo qingtongqi quanji (Compendium of Chinese Bronzes), Beijing, 1998, vol.12, p.92, no.90. Three-footed basin of this type is known as zun and is the main wine vessel of the Han period (206 BC-220 AD). See a basin of the present type inscribed with the name zun and dated third year of the Heping reign (26 BC), illustrated in ibid., p.44, no.42.