Gold and Silver

 

 

 

Opulent vessels in gold testify to the wealth of Marquis Yi.  Solid gold vessels from pre-imperial China are extremely rare, probably because of the cost of the material.  The bowl below, at six inches diameter and almost five pounds, is the largest gold object of its kind from the pre-Qin period.  It was found in the eastern chamber beneath the marquis' coffin along with the gold goblet to the right.  In addition, four gold belt hooks were inside the inner coffin.

What does the location of these gold objects imply about their significance for the owner?

Gold cup                               Height: 11.1cm

SOURCE:  Suixian Zenghouyi mu (Beijing: Wenwu chubanshe, 1980), pl. 96.
SOME THOUGHTS:  The location suggests that these gold objects were personal treasures of the marquis, and not intended for public ceremonial use. 

The bowl below was found with a matching ladle inside.  It stands on S-shaped zoomorphic feet and is decorated with a pattern of interlaced dragons on the body.  

Considering the open-work ladle, what do you think this set might have been used for?

Covered gold bowl with ladle

Height: 10.7cm, weight: 2.15kg  Weight of  ladle: 50 grams 

SOURCE:  Zhonguo zhongda kaogu faxian (Beijing: Wenwu chubanshe, 1990), p. 124.

Move on to the Han Tomb of Liu Sheng