Description:

This beaker is over 3,000 years old. Collectors in the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties thought ancient bronze vessels made good flower vases as they had been buried in the ground for hundreds of years. It was thought this would help keep flowers fresh for longer. Glass vases in the style of ancient bronzes became fashionable in the 18th century (1700-1800).

Bronze, cast

Creator: Unknown

Date: About 1100 B.C., Shang Dynasty

Copyright: Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives

Object ID:N7851