Li Vessel with Bowstring 
Pattern
Early Shang Dynasty
(1766-1122 B.C.)
Overall height     21.5cm
      The  li  vessel's 
shape  derives  from  a  
pottery version with three 
pouched legs. By the Shang 
period, these pouched legs
had  begun  to  change. In  
this example, its original
should  have  had  hollow 
pouched legs divided into 
two parts : an upper pouch,
and  a  lower  foot.  While
the shape is maintained, its
construction is altered.