Goblet (jia)
Late Shang dynasty, 13th century–1046 B.C.
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
51.5 × 23.5 cm (20 1/4 × 9 1/4 in.)
Classification
vessel
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
31955
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Monumental scale and the precise casting of animal imagery distinguish this vessel as a commission of late Shang royalty. Two tiers of monster masks encircle the flared bowl. Elongated version of these masks, which may also be interpreted as paired serpents, descend the sharply tapered legs. A bovine head with sculpted horns crowns the strap handle. Pieces of the clay core, visible through holes in the legs, remain from the piece-mold casting process.
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...