The Tiger Feeding Man

The piece I decided to do was from Ancient China. It was made during the Shang Dynasty and it's a Bronze container called "Hushiren You" or Tiger Feeding Man. It has also been called "Hu You" or Tiger Eating Man, there are two other pieces identical to this one as well. It is a very strange piece and people still argue over it's conception and meaning. It depicts a man laying flush against a Tiger with a vacant expression and his head turned to the left. The Tiger can be seen grasping the man with its fronthind legs and tail as support to stand up on. Both the Tiger and man have ornate details such as lighting, clouds, and snakes engraved onto them.

The lid on the top has a small Dragon perching, and the handle contains what appears to be the head of a Water Deer on each swivel point. This vessel was most likely used for ceremonial purposes due to its size (7.7 inches tall) and inability to pour. A very interesting work of art!