Jian water basin, 500–400 BCE, Warring States period (475–221 BCE). Bronze, 22.54 × 51.44 × 51.59 × 43.66 cm, 9.4 kg; 22.86 cm (object part, foot). Bequest of Alfred F. Pillsbury, 50.46.103 © Minneapolis Institute of Art

This jian is decorated with animal-head ring handles and a dense serpentine pattern separated by a frieze of braided ropes. Intertwined dragons wriggle within these bands. The vessel bears an inscription on the interior wall, which reads: The jian for amusement of the son of Lord Zhi. Zhi was a ruling family of the Jin state, and Zhi Yao, the last member of its lineage, was killed in 453 bce. The decorative style, together with the inscription, identify the vessel as cast at the foundry of the Jin state.