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Any help identifying the age , culture and purpose of this carved bird would be appreciated

This is a 20th century copy of an Owl-shaped ritual Zun Vessel from Late Shang Dynasty.

The authentic wine container, frequently employed as a ritual vessel in ancestral worship and ceremonial rites. The owl motif represents the deity of night and dreams, and was revered as a mediator between the mortal and spiritual realms.

You can compare with the authentic one here:

https://sba8e1e61b36e93b4.jimcontent.com/download/version/1570761099/module/6122250015/name/%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E3%81%A8%E4%B8%AD%E5%9B%BD%E6%96%87%E5%8C%96.pdf

https://yinlei.org/x-plane10/quanwu.html

http://www.1242.com/blog/midori/2023/01/post-558.html

Have a nice weekend
Renato

Renato… thank you for your thoughtful responses…It would have been fun if it was ancient… however new or old it’s a great lookin jade carving!! Thanks!

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