Bronze "Yen" Steamer
OwnerOwned by
James Cromar Watt
(Aberdeen, Scotland, 1862 - 1940)
Object NameYen
Mediumbronze, wood and rock crystal
ClassificationsApplied Art
Dimensions32.1 x 22.2cm
AcquisitionJames Cromar Watt Bequest, 1941.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS014544
About MeBronze yen steamers were ritual vessels used by the nobility to cook food during the Shang dynasty (c.1600-1046 BC). Water was placed in the lower section and the food was placed in the upper section with a pierced partition between the two sections that allowed the steam to rise and cook the food.Chinese bronzes made in later dynasties copied the shape of the yen steamer.
The date of this yen steamer is unknown.
James Cromar Watt
James Cromar Watt
James Cromar Watt
James Cromar Watt
James Cromar Watt
James Cromar Watt
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, Qianlong Period, 1736-1796
James Cromar Watt
James Cromar Watt
James Cromar Watt
Late Ming Dynasty, Transitional Period, late 17th - early 18th century
James Cromar Watt
James Cromar Watt
James Cromar Watt
Qing Dynasty, Daoguang Period (early 19th Century)
Qing Dynasty, late 18th century
James Cromar Watt
Ming Dynasty, 1522 - 1619
