Ewer in the Shape of a Bird
Unknown Artist
16th century
Medium
Bronze with gold and silver inlays
Dimensions
H. 7 3/4 in. (19.7 cm); W. 4 in. (10.2 cm); L. 7 1/2 in. (19.1 cm)
Classification
Metalwork
Culture & Period
China · Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Bequest of John L. Cadwalader, 1914
Accession Number
14.58.143
Tags
About this artwork
This metalwork from China, Ming dynasty (1368–1644), dating to 16th century, provides valuable insight into the artistic practices and material culture of its era. Cast or worked in bronze with gold and silver inlays , this piece exemplifies sophisticated metalworking traditions. The creation of metal objects involved complex processes including casting, chasing, engraving, and finishing that required years of apprenticeship and specialized knowledge. The object's dimensions—h. 7 3/4 in.—refl...