COLLECTION NAME:
The AMICA Library
Record
AMICA ID:
MIA_.50.46.112
AMICA Library Year:
2001
Object Type:
Decorative Arts and Utilitarian Objects
Creator Name:
artist unknown
Creator Nationality:
Asian; Far East Asian; Chinese; Henanese
Creator Role:
sculptor
Creator Name-CRT:
artist unknown
Title:
Ritual Wine Vessel
View:
Front
Creation Date:
late 4th century B.C.
Creation Start Date:
-333
Creation End Date:
-300
Materials and Techniques:
bronze, silver, gold, copper
Classification Term:
Bronze
Dimensions:
H.9-3/4 x W.12-1/2 in.
Component Measured:
overall
AMICA Contributor:
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Owner Location:
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
ID Number:
50.46.112
Credit Line:
Bequest of Alfred F. Pillsbury
Context:
This exquisitely crafted vessel ranks amongst the world's finest examples of late Chou dynasty inlaid bronzes. As religious beliefs changed, ritual bronzes became less sacred and more profane in use and decoration. By the late Chou period, a secularization of bronze ornament had occurred. The sacred masks and symbolic animal motifs of Shang and Western Chou were increasingly replaced with abstract surface ornament such as "hook and comma" patterns, granulation or, as in this case, metallic inlay. This splendid geometric, brocade-like pattern of gold and silver inlay was done to delight the eye rather than inspire religious reverence.
Related Image Identifier Link:
MIA_.5798c.tif
Link To Source
Ritual Wine Vessel
