Ancient bronze drinking vessel found in N. China

Handan (CNS) -- A bronze vessel made during the Shang Dynasty (c.1600BC–1046BC) has been discovered in Wu'an, Hebei Province, according to the city's cultural relics authority.

Experts have identified it as a wine vessel used by an ancient noble family. Judging from its craftsmanship, appearance and inscription, it is assessed as having high historic and scientific value.

More than 30 cm tall, the vessel was crafted in a beautiful Taotie (a ferocious mythical animal) pattern. It was found by a villager at the historic site of an ancient town where a number of other cultural relics from the same period have been unearthed.

Bronzeware symbolizes the core of the wine and sacrificial vessel system of the Shang Dynasty, claimed expert Jia Mingtian.