Oracle Bones (76 total)
Unknown
Shang dynasty (about 1600–1046 BC)
Medium
Segments of turtle plastrons and bones of oxen; polished, burned, and carved with inscriptions
Dimensions
Various sizes
Classification
ritual objects
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
192727
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...