CHINA ARQUEOLOGIA golden-age-chinese-archayeolog

that splays outward to a domed lid with three
flanges on its top; two animal-headed masks hold
ring handles on the two sides. Fine curving patterns
— inlaid inscriptions composed of elaborate birdscript
characters — decorate the main bands of the
vessel and the lid; the narrow relief borders of the
body and the foot are inlaid with designs of exotic
animals, which seem to emerge from the scrolls.
The inscriptions on this hu vessel suggest that
the flask held wine for the occupant of the tomb,
with the expectation that his afterlife was to be
enjoyed. The inscriptions have been studied by a
number of scholars, 2 and the following translation
proposed:
1 Lid inscription
We have made a cover with an inscription of
gold inlay. There are three words to a sentence
and it is decorated with fish patterns.
2 Neck inscription
Ordinarily a xizun was used, but now we have
adopted the hu.
The cover is round with four bands of
patterned decoration.
When with pleasant emotions, we gather to
eat and drink,
It will be a grand occasion with abundant
flavors.
3 Body inscription
Fine food fills the gates to the bursting
point.
The more sustenance, the more we become
fat and healthy.
We desire longevity and the dispelling of
disease.
Even 10,000 years would not be too much. 3
A similar inscription is found on the second vessel.
The decoration of the bands seems to draw on
several sources: angular designs sprouting small
quills appear on Eastern Zhou and Early Han
objects, such as the jade in the upper part of the
headrest (cat. 130), and similar designs are found on
the coffin of the wife of the Marquis of Dai. 4 Exotic
animals also appear in lacquer painting, particularly
on pieces from Mawangdui in Hunan province
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ROYAL TOMBS AT LINCSHAN