明中期 掐絲琺瑯花鳥紋葫蘆形壺|Double-gourd form ewer with birds and flowers
Unknown Artist
16th century
Medium
Cloisonné enamel
Dimensions
H. 10 1/8 in. (25.7 cm); W. at spout and handle 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm) Diam. of foot: 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm)
Classification
Cloisonné
Culture & Period
China · Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Edward G. Kennedy, 1929
Accession Number
29.110.30
Tags
Art Historical Context
This exquisite double-gourd form ewer, crafted in cloisonné enamel during China's Ming dynasty (1368–1644) in the 16th, exemplifies the era's mastery of luxury metalwork. Standing about 10 inches tall with a graceful spout and handle spanning nearly 9½ inches, its bulbous, interconnected gourd shape evokes abundance and harmony—auspicious symbols in Chinese culture associated with longevity, wealth, and fertility. Adorned with vibrant birds and flowers, including majestic phoenixes, the vessel was likely used for pouring wine or water in elite rituals or scholarly gatherings. Cloisonné enamel...