Chinese 西周螭龙纹勺 bronze ladle / From the Western Zhou dynasty (西周: BCE 1046- BCE 771) / This particular ladle is called a Shao (勺) ladle. The Shao during the Zhou dynasty was often used to boil liquids. It has a symbol of dragon Chi (螭) on it. The bronze Shao was often made for the Royal family to use, and as the bronze gets hot during its use, it was used with a wooden handle. Because the use of bronze for cooking instruments during the Western Zhou period was uncommon, this Shao ladle is a rare item. /// size: 11.61 x 4.92 inches