YU

Pinyin You, type of Chinese bronze vessel produced during the Shang (18th12th century Bc ) and early Chou (1111c. 900 BC) periods. It is a container, probably meant to transport wine, resembling a bucket with a swing handle and a nobbed lid. Related to the hu (q.v.) in profile, the yu consists of a base, usually oval in section, and a broad body, slightly swollen at the centre and tapering to a wide neck. The large loop handle swings from two prominent lugs (ear-shaped protuberances) on either side of the neck. Decoration includes a large t'ao-t'ieh (q.v.), or monster mask, on the broad midsection, as well as other motifs characteristic of Shang and Chou bronze ritual vessels.