Mold
Jin dynasty (1115–1234), 12th century
Medium
Yaozhou ware; stoneware, carved and biscuit-fired
Dimensions
6.6 × 11.6 cm (2 5/8 × 4 9/16 in.); Diam.: 11.6 cm (4 9/16 in.)
Classification
stoneware
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
21887
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
After the eleventh century, the use of clay molds became increasingly common in the ceramic production of northern China. Finely carved molds impressed intricate decorations on vessels’ surfaces before firing with both precision and speed, in order to meet the growing demands for ceramic wares at the time. While molds have been excavated at various kiln sites in Shaanxi and Henan provinces, those from Yaozhou, such as this one, are believed to have produced some of the most exquisite molded desi...
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...