Mancheng  (series)

Mancheng Mi:4284 is third in a series of five single-handled ovoid cups of graduated size (Figure 4.18).253 Of the remainder, only Mi:4286 is shown in drawing. The distinction is important because of the variation in decor. According to the excavation report text, the Mi:4284 decor matches that of Mi:4282 and 4283, while Mi:4285 and 4286 are identical. Of gilded bronze, the decor of the entire set may be generally described as comprised of intersecting diagonal lines over a ground of repeated small, concentric triangles. On Mi:4286, the intersecting lines are distinct from the background, superimposed over it. These lines are plain and straight, marked by large, plain squares at alternate points of intersection. Around the remaining intersections, a phoenix circles over the right-hand diagonal (right to left), under the left-hand, over the continuation of the right below the point of intersection, and under the continuation of the left. The background is laid out in an upright square grid combining the concentric circle motif with square spirals set in a contiguous but not continuous interlocking series, and circular spirals. The vessel’s handle is circular, formed by an eagle-like head with highly elongated neck, a wing, and tail feathers. On Mi:4284, in contrast, the background and intersecting diagonal lines intermesh without rigidly square forms. The diagonals consist of bands of concentric triangles interlaced with bands of scale motif and dot patterns. The Mi:4286 pattern is found also on a lidded cylindrical “box” of gilded bronze, Mi:4273;254 Mi:4284 appears to be echoed on a gilded bronze fitting Mi:42 95,255 as well as on a brazier G40 from the tomb of the King of Nanyue (Xianggangshan [Guangzhou Municipality, Guangdong]; Figure 4.8).256

The Mi:4284 decor is closely related to that of a circa fourth century BC bronze bianzhong bell from Zangjiazhuang (Zhucheng, Shandong) M5 (Figure 4.19), also comparing to the more simple, abstract decor of an incense burner from the same site.257 Based on this comparison, Mancheng Mi:4284 may indeed constitute genuinely Middle Warring States work.258 Further viewed in comparison to the brazier G40 from the tomb of the King of Nanyue, the Mancheng Mi:4284 cup and any identical pieces may be accepted as genuinely old (Middle Warring States). Mancheng Mi:4286 and its like then may be seen as Early or Middle Western Han products based on this earlier work, in part perhaps to complete the desired five piece set of cups.259

Figure 4.18: Mancheng (Hebei) M1:4284, 4286, gilded bronze. (Mancheng, vol. 1, 61, fig. 41:1, 42:2-3.)

Figure 4.19: Zangjiazhuang (Zhucheng, Shandong) M5, ca. 4 c. BC, bronze bianzhong beU. (Shandong Zhuchengxian, “Shandong Zhucheng Zangjiazhuang,” WW 1987.12, 47, fig. 1.)