Bowl
1700-1800
Medium
Decorative Arts-Glass
Classification
Decorative Arts-Glass
Department
Smithsonian Collection
Museum
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Credit
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of John Gellatly
Accession Number
1929.8.265.2
Art Historical Context
This elegant glass bowl, crafted by an unidentified Chinese artist between 1700 and 1800, exemplifies the refined decorative arts of the Qing dynasty. Acquired as a gift from collector John Gellatly, it now graces the Smithsonian American Art Museum's collection, highlighting the institution's commitment to global decorative objects. During the 18th century, Chinese artisans increasingly experimented with glass—a medium less common than porcelain or jade—often drawing from European influences introduced via trade and missionaries. This bowl represents that innovative fusion, showcasing the te...
About the Artist
Unidentified (Chinese)
The artist known simply as "Chinese" in museum records represents the vast tradition of anonymous or unattributed masters in Chinese art history, with 99 works preserved in our collection. These pieces exemplify the enduring legacy of guó huà, or traditional Chinese painting, one of the world's oldest continuous artistic practices. Early life is not well documented, as is common for many practitio...