Covered Food Container
Western Zhou dynasty ( 1046–771 BC ), mid–10th century BC
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
24.1 × 21.6 cm (8 1/2 × 8 1/2 in.); Diam.: 21.6 cm (8 1/2 in.)
Classification
vessel
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
37423
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Birds with long, trailing plumage encircle the lid and basin of this vessel. Their flowing lines reflect the skillful hand of the potter who carved the design in clay for casting in bronze. At some time in the past, this extensively damaged vessel was repaired and cleaned, thereby exposing its present, uncorroded surface. Cast in the basin and lid are identical inscriptions: "In the eleventh month, first quarter, [on the day] jiashen, the King was in Hua. The King gave Ming deer. [Ming] therefo...
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...