Bronze Vessels The Shang Dynasty bronze vessel on the top, dating to the twelfth century B.C.E. and about 10 inches tall, is covered with symmetrical animal imagery, including stylized taotie masks. The early Zhou Dynasty inscribed bronze pan (bottom), dating to before 900 B.C.E., was one of 103 vessels discovered in 1975 by farmers clearing a field. The inscription tells the story of the first six Zhou kings and of the family of scribes who served them. (pan: Shanxi Zhou Yuan Museum/Uniphoto Press, Japan/Ancient Art & Archeology Collection, Ltd.; taotie vessel: Ritual Wine Container with Cover (Fangyi). China, Shang Dynasty (ca. 1600–