"Ts'e Ling" Square Tsun
Early Western Chou Dynasty
(ca. 10th century B.C.)
Height:           28.6cm
Mouth diameter:   23.4cm
Weight:            5920g
     Although this vessel 
follows the general style 
of the late Shang in shape 
and design, the perforation 
of the flanges, which 
transforms them into rows 
of hooks and imparts a 
more ornate and fanciful 
character, reflects a new, 
exuberant style. The various 
motifs including animal 
masks and birds are done in 
bold relief on a ground of 
small spirals.
     On the inner wall and 
bottom, a cast inscription 
of 187 characters records
that the Tso-ts'e
 (Record-keeper) Ts'e 
Ling assisted the son of the
Duke of Chou, Ming Pao. 
Ming Pao here figures as a 
principal officer of the 
king, and Ts'e Ling is 
entrusted by him with 
important commissions, and 
given gifts.  This vessel 
is dedicated to the deceased 
father of Ts'e Ling.