Dragon-Handled Amphora 三彩双龙耳瓶
Tang dynasty, (A.D. 618–907), 1st half of 8th century 唐 （公元 618-907)，八世纪前半段
Medium
Earthenware with three-color (sancai) lead glazes 三彩铅釉陶器
Dimensions
H. 38.7 cm (15.2 in.) diam. 17.5 cm (6.9 in.) 高 38.7 厘米 （15.2 英寸），直径 17.5 cm （6.9 英寸）
Classification
vase
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
12229
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Many scholars suggest that this distinctive Tang form may have been inspired by earlier, Hellenistic ceramic and glass vessels deriving from the Greek amphora. If so, Chinese artisans thoroughly transformed that ancient shape: They created a high-shouldered silhouette with a slender neck, which is gracefully framed by curved handles, whose dragon heads bite the cupped mouth-rim in their open jaws. This vessel displays a fluid "three-color" glaze, named after the archetypical combination of brig...
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...