This is a huge ritual vessel of bronze. It probably stands four or five feet in height. Quite the casting for 2,400 years ago.

The Hubei museum was just down the road from the summer home (villa) of Mao Zedong (Mao Zedong Bieshu). This is a National Monument, and is managed by the military. It was quite a delightful modern architecture rambling estate which has many long halls, passageways, meeting rooms, swimming pool, dining rooms, etc. It is situated among trees and heavy vegetation, overall quite a beautiful setting.

It is, however, apparent that Mao is no longer the national hero. The building is moldy, mildewed, in total disrepair and smells as bad as you would imagine. You lose the sense of power and history due to the overwhelming odor of decay. Its not good to be on the outs with the current government.