J¸e
Shang dynasty, Anyang period (13th -- 12th BC)
Height: 20.3 cmJ¸e are bird-shaped vessels for serving and warming wine. In fact, the name j¸e is derived from the word q¸e, a kind of bird, the terms homophonic and synonymous in ancient times. The spout, the protruding back and the three slender legs represent a birdís beak, tail and legs. The two short posts on the lip are handles.