Nine Elephant Zun was also called You Zun, because the inscrip-tion on the bronze is the clan emblem You. ‘I’he shape is round and short with nine elephants and contmuous tile patterns. This style and shape are very rare compared with other ,bronzes. Bronze cu\ture was at the height of its splendor in the \Nestern Zhou dynasty (c. IIOO BC-771 BC). The shape and pattem of this Zun are simple but delicate, with inscription skillfully cast and b eau-tifully written. It is a masterwork of the Iate Western Zhou dynasty.

The splendid bronze culture created by hard-working slaves is the essence of (hinese artist\c history and marks the highest tevel of craftsmanship in the slave society. It is a very impor-nt part of ancient (hinese cultural heritage.

Gallery of Bronzes in the Forbidden City

Nine Elephant Zun
Lotus and Crane Fang Hu (Rectangular Jar)
Bronze Hu (Jar) with the Scenes of Banquet, Hunting and Battling