Bowl
Unknown Artist
13th–14th century
Medium
Opaque blue glass
Dimensions
H. 2 15/16 in. (7.5 cm); Diam. 6 5/16 in. (16 cm); Diam. of foot 1 1/2 in. (3.8 cm)
Classification
Glass
Culture
China
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Purchase, Edward S. Harkness Gift, 1926
Accession Number
26.7.1273
Art Historical Context
This exquisite opaque blue glass bowl, crafted China during the 13–14th century, a rare glimpse into a luxurious material uncommon in traditional Chinese ceramics-dominated culture. Standing just under 3 inches tall with a 6-inch diameter and a footed base, its vibrant, milky blue hue evokes the depth of lapis lazuli, a prized stone in Asian art. Acquired by the Metropolitan Museum of Art in1926 through the Edward S. Harkness, it resides in the Asian Art Department a testament to early glassworking prowess. During the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368), which aligns with this bowl's era, glass producti...