Huge basin records Western Zhou Dynasty history

More than 3,000 years ago, people used bronze pan basin for washing hands, faces and bodies. “Guo Ji Zibai” bronze pan, dating to the Western Zhou Dynasty (c.11th century-771 BC), was owned by the fourth son of the King of Guo State – Zibai. It is a huge square water container. Diverse patterns are cast on its exterior sides, rendering a superb charm.

There is a 111-Chinese-character inscription cast in its inner base. It records the origin of the basin’s name and how its owner won a battle against the Xianyun tribe and was rewarded by King Xuan of Zhou. The inscription is a beautiful verse, boasting high literature, artistic and historical values.

Unearthed in Baoji, Shaanxi province between 1821 and 1850, the basin is in the permanent collection of the National Museum of China after a period of time wandering from owner to owner.