Basin
Western Zhou dynasty ( 1046–771 BC ), 9th/7th century B.C.
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
13.7 × 41.8 cm (5 1/2 × 16 1/2 in.); Diam.: 41.8 cm (16 1/2 in.)
Classification
bronze
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
3330
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Squatting male and female figures support this basin; dragon-shaped handles bite at its rim. Such sculptural features enliven the silhouettes of late Western Zhou vessels, although their surface decor often reflects less vitality. The simple, ribbonlike bands encircling the basin have been dramatically abstracted from components of earlier monster masks.
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...