Chinese Bronze Rhinoceros wine container, Warring States (4th cent.-221B.C) ZUN, shaped as a rhinoceros, has two horns on the head and a round lid on the back. The whole body is covered with cloud decoration. Around the neck and about the front part of the body are wrinkles. Age: Warring States (mid.4th cent.-221B.C). Weight: 4 lb. 9 oz. = 2080 g. Length: 11 in. = 28 cm. Width: 4 = 9cm Height: 5.5 in. = 13.5 cm. Condition: very old, authentic patina all over, the lid opens only up to 40 degrees, otherwise there are no other defects, a lot of white oxidation inside the vessel. Authenticity report: Genuine. Provenance: from private collection in Florida, USA, purchased in 1980's -1990's. References: Archaeological evidence shows that rhinoceros have been found in China since earliest times. A text on oracle bones from the late Shang dynasty (ca.1300 - 1050 BC) records the king hunting rhinoceros, whose tough, thick hide was used as body armor by high-ranking soldiers. In the war-torn centuries preceding the Han period, the rhinoceros was hunted nearly to distinction, becoming so rare that it attained almost mythical status. http://www.easterncurio.com/easten%20curio/F%20Bronze&Copper%20Pieces/F2%20Animal/Animal01.htm...... http://www.flickr.com/photos/sftrajan/7315946912/ Rhinoceros-shaped bronze 'Zun' (wine vessel) - gold and silver inlaid cloud design - Western Han Dynasty (202 BC to 8 AD). Unearthed in Shaanxi Province National Museum of China () Beijing, China .the rhinoceros lived in China in ancient times...... Condition: very old, authentic patina all over, the lid opens only up to 40 degrees, otherwise there are no other defects, a lot of white oxidation inside the vessel. Terms of sale: All sales are final! Buyer assumes all responsibility! No refunds will be given under any circumstances! No returns! Please, ask all you questions before you bid! If you have any doubts - do not bid!