Cauldron
Western Zhou dynasty (1046–771 BC ), early 9th century BC
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
49 × 43 cm (19 3/8 × 16 15/16 in.)
Classification
vessel
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
185963
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
As this monumental cauldron demonstrates, the most distinctive bronze vessels of early China represent important historical documents as well as stunningly powerful works of art. Designed to contain offerings of meat in ritual ceremonies, this vessel was cast with a lengthy inscription on its interior bowl. The text commemorates a solemn ritual ceremony at the imperial court of the Zhou, the second dynasty recorded in Chinese texts, and explains that Captain Wang, a noble official who had been r...
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...