Ewer
Porcelain: c. 1573–1610 (Ming dynasty [1368–1644], Wanli period [1573–1620]); mounts: c. 1610
Medium
Hard-paste porcelain and silver
Dimensions
28 × 24.8 × 16.6 cm (11 × 9 3/4 × 6 1/2 in.)
Classification
ewer (vessel)
Department
Applied Arts of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
25230
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
This splendid ewer is an outstanding example of cross-cultural inspiration. Made of Chinese blue and white porcelain, it was originally a type of drinking vessel called a kendi. Such vessels took a variety a variety of forms throughout Asia: in this case, the rounded shapes indicate it was made for export to Indonesia, where kendis were associated with fertility. The Indonesian form is combined with Chinese decorative motifs like flowering plum branches and fruit clusters. This kendi was then s...
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...