Conical Bowl with Interior of Fish Swimming amid Waves Encircling a Sea Crab and Exterior of Stylized Petals
Jin dynasty (1115–1234), 12th century
Medium
Yaozhou ware; stoneware with underglaze molded and carved decoration
Dimensions
4.1 × 9.6 cm (1 5/8 × 3 13/16 in.); Diam.: 9.6 cm (3 13/16 in.)
Classification
bowl
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
193014
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Potters from Yaozhou used a carved mold to decorate the interior of this bowl, making the process of production more efficient. Remarkably, this accelerated approach to decoration did not compromise the beauty of the final product. Inside the bowl, four fishes gracefully encircle a sea creature — either a crab or a squid — amidst the rippling waves. The surface of the bowl is fully covered in a glossy, translucent olive-green glaze. The glaze pools in the recesses, producing a slightly deeper hu...
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...