![](/system/files/styles/large/private/art/100467/m8pixianai.png?itok=d0t9oyzo)
Copper inlaid bronxe deer
, 8th century
This imposing deer was originally intended as a water vessel, with a separately cast handle looping up from the hindquarters to the back of the head which would have been topped by a spout to fill it up. water would come in a thin stream from the mouth when poured.
Original height 30.3cms
Private collection. Auctioned Christies, London, UK. October 2011