TaoTie/饕餮: More Than a Chinese Mythical Beast
Introduction to Taotie
Taotie is a mysterious creature in Chinese mythology. Its name translates to “gluttonous ogre” and is often associated with insatiable greed. Taotie’s depiction is primarily found on ritual bronze vessels from the Shang and Zhou dynasties, where it is characterized by a symmetrical, zoomorphic face, often without a lower jaw.
2. Historical Context
Origin and Evolution: The origins of Taotie remain unclear, but it is thought to have evolved from earlier totemic symbols.