——Exploring 5,000 Years of Civilization in Shanxi

If the Shang dynasty had an "emoticon contest," this "monster" from over 3,000 years ago would absolutely take the crown with just its face. It has a unique shape and is covered in magnificent decorations, but what makes it truly unforgettable is its toothy, grinning expression—silly, cute, and even a little bit healing.

Its name is the Animal-shaped Gong. It was unearthed in 1976 at Jingjie Village, Lingshi County, Jinzhong City, Shanxi Province. Agong is a type of wine vessel from the Shang and Zhou dynasties—the very character that appears in the idiom "gong chou jiao cuo" (wine cups and goblets pass freely). This late Shang bronze wine vessel, with its unique squatting beast shape and exquisite decorative patterns, retains the mysterious and fierce style of Shang bronzes while also incorporating practicality under the influence of northern bronze culture. It is a rare treasure in the art of bronze.

But don't be intimidated by its "bronze identity." Look closely at this Animal-shaped Gong: thick eyebrows, big eyes, open mouth with exposed teeth, snail-like antennae hiding a pair of bat-like ears, all set in a squatting pose—it's a living, breathing "cute little beast." Being cute isn't a modern invention. It turns out that people over 3,000 years ago had already mastered the art.

Today, this "smiling monster" has taken on a new identity. The Shanxi Museum has launched a "Take a Nap" blind box series, letting cultural relics "lie down" and enjoy a nap together. The Animal-shaped Gong, along with six other iconic relics, has been transformed into plush dolls, wrapped in sleeping bags and blankets featuring Shanxi elements like "Fenjiu" (Shanxi's famous liquor) and "matured vinegar." The cuteness factor is off the charts.Even better, each product comes with a keychain and a magnetic backing on the reverse side—it can be hung on a bag as a charm or stuck on a refrigerator as a magnet. Practical and comforting at the same time.

As the Animal-shaped Gong drifts into dreams with its signature smile, dumplings become soft pillows and vinegar turns into a cool mat… Lounging lazily on the prime shelf space, Shanxi people's beloved "nap culture" has been brought to life. This plush toy series, themed around "even our ancestors take naps," has become the hottest item at the Shanxi Museum's cultural creative store, with monthly sales exceeding ten thousand units.

This spring, why not dream along with this 3,000-year-old "smiling monster" and experience a sense of laziness and relaxation that spans millennia? After all, if even our ancestors have decided to lie down and rest, what excuse do you have not to take a break?

Source: Comprehensive collation by sx.china.com