The Zeng Hou Yi Zun and Pan

Discovered in 1978 in the tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng, this breathtaking bronze set represents the absolute peak of technical and artistic achievement in ancient Chinese metallurgy. Composed of a Zun (wine vessel) atop a Pan (base), it functioned as an ancient wine cooler or warmer for ritual ceremonies.

What immediately astounds is its otherworldly decoration. From a distance, the rims appear as swirling clouds. Up close, they resolve into an astonishing three-dimensional labyrinth of countless interwoven dragons and serpents, all cast in openwork. Every surface teems with these coiling creatures, creating an effect of incredible, frozen motion.

The secret to its creation was the lost-wax casting method. Artisans sculpted a master model in wax—allowing for unparalleled detail—then encased it in clay to create a mold. The wax was melted away, and molten bronze poured in, capturing every minute design. This technique, executed with staggering precision over 2,400 years ago, produced a work of art so complex that it defies belief.

More than a ritual object, the set was a treasured heirloom. Marks inside indicate it was originally made for an earlier marquis, later re-engraved for Marquis Yi. Thus, it stands not only as a testament to pre-imperial China’s supreme craftsmanship but also as a powerful symbol of lineage, memory, and the enduring human desire to create beauty that transcends time.