Rectangular Tureen (fu)
Eastern Zhou dynasty, Spring and Autumn period (770–481 B.C.)
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
18.6 × 33.3 × 21 cm (7 5/16 × 13 1/8 × 8 1/2 in.)
Classification
vessel
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
86391
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
The lid and basin of this grain vessel are virtually identical in form; with the lid inverted, both pieces could be used as serving dishes. Its large lug handles are cast as vestiges of dragon heads with rolled snouts; smaller heads are applied to the lid. The surface design consists of flat, tessellated planes composed of rectangular units of tightly interlaced ribbons. This restrained pattern reflects a new interest in finely textured grid patterns that transformed bronze design in the sixth c...
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...