Bronze dragon-shaped wine container from 3,000 years ago

About 3,000 years ago, ancient Chinese people crafted wine containers in animal shapes, an example being this bronze dragon-shaped gong vessel. Its lid features sinuous dragon motifs that seamlessly merge with the dragon head, supplemented by swirling patterns. What makes it unique is the Chinese alligator motifs adorning two sides of the vessel’s belly. This extraordinary piece showcases the distinct style of the late Shang Dynasty (c.16th century-11th century BC) and is now housed in the Shanxi Museum.