Quatrefoil Footed Dish
Tang dynasty (618–907), first half of 8th century
Medium
Earthenware with cobalt blue and lead amber glazes
Dimensions
4.8 × 16.3 × 16.8 cm (1 7/8 × 6 7/16 × 6 5/8 in.)
Classification
dish (vessel)
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
75930
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
The sharply lobed silhouette of this vessel was likely inspired by luxurious forms in Indian and Near Eastern metalwork. Its outwardly curved cabriole legs are common to several forms of offering trays crafted in Chinese silver and depicted in painting. In Chinese ceramics, however, this foliate form is known only in wares made exclusively for burial.
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...