Friday, July 11, 2008 
 

 <div style="clear:both;"></div>Set in a fiercely blazing fire, the beast's bulging eyes glare straight at the observer; his great mouth forms a wide grin, flashing saber-like teeth. His stiletto claws are exposed and poised for action, and a pair of ears or horns protrudes from his head. As ferocious of a sight as this may be, the image conveys both mystery and beauty.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="http://www.eyongs.net/art/taotie.jpg" src="http://www.eyongs.net/art/taotie.jpg" /><br /></div><div style="clear:both; padding-bottom:0.25em"></div><p class="blogger-labels">Labels: <a rel='tag' href="http://www.eyongs.net/art/labels/Chinese Bronze.html">Chinese Bronze</a></p>
 4:23 AM 
 
 

 <div style="clear:both;"></div>The symbolic design, known as the "<span style="font-weight: bold;">tao-tie</span>" or "<span style="font-weight: bold;">beast of gluttony</span>", was used on <span style="font-weight: bold;">Chinese sacrificial bronze</span> 3,000 years ago, combining all sorts of animal characteristics found in the natural world into one ferocious creature. The tao-tie is one of the most fantastic and imaginative designs found among <span style="font-weight: bold;">Chinese bronze</span> designs. It uniquely communicates the religious and ritual spirit of <span style="font-weight: bold;">ancient Chinese bronze vessels</span>.<div style="clear:both; padding-bottom:0.25em"></div><p class="blogger-labels">Labels: <a rel='tag' href="http://www.eyongs.net/art/labels/Chinese Bronze.html">Chinese Bronze</a></p>
 4:22 AM