Bottle-Shaped Vase
Qing dynasty (1644–1911), c. 18th century
Medium
Porcelain with purple flambé glaze
Dimensions
33 × 22.2 cm (13 × 8 3/4 in.); Diam.: 22.2 cm (8 3/4 in.)
Classification
vase
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
18454
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
This vase’s rich glaze was created when a potter fired it in a kiln with restricted oxygen at a high temperature. The copper oxides in the glaze transformed unpredictably into streaks of crimson, violet, and blue to create what is known as “flambé glaze.” Potters carefully manipulated kiln conditions in this process, called reduction firing, yet embraced the chance effects that gave each piece its unique, flame-like character. These striking results captivated European collectors, and ceramicist...
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...