Bowl with Boys Playing amid Peony Flowers
Jin dynasty (1115–1234), 12th century
Medium
Ding ware; porcelain with underglaze mold-impressed decoration; metal rim
Dimensions
6.2 × 21.2 cm (2 7/16 × 8 3/8 in.); Diam.: 21.2 cm (8 3/8 in.)
Classification
bowl
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
65892
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts Asia collection, this delicate *Bowl with Boys Playing amid Peony Flowers* exemplifies the pinnacle of Jin dynasty (1115–1234) porcelain artistry from 12th-century China. Crafted in renowned Ding ware—a translucent, ivory-white porcelain fired at kilns in northern Hebei province—the bowl measures just 6.2 × 21.2 cm, its slender form highlighting the era's mastery of thin potting. A protective metal rim encircles the mouth, a practical feature for these finely made vessels often used in elite dining. The bowl's underglaze mold-impressed decoration...
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...