Gui food vessel, 10th century BCE, 6 1/4 × 11 7/8 × 8 13/16 in., 9.5 lb. (15.8 × 30.2 × 22.4 cm, 4.3 kg), Bronze, China, 10th century BCE, Toward the mid-Western Zhou, two of the most noticeable changes that occurred in bronze casting involved the abandonment of the taotie (composite animal) mask motif and the adoption of long inscriptions. This gui displays elaborate birds, a popular motif, on its main decorative register. The birds flamboyant design, with their crests and peacock-like plumage, is unique. The lengthy inscription, neatly cast into the cauldrons bottom, reads as follows