Tripod Cauldron of Ran (Ran ding)
Late Shang dynasty, 13th–11th century B.C.
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
Overall: H. 24.4 ×diam. 18.9 cm (9 5/8 × 7 7/16 in.) H. 19.1 ×diam. 18.9 cm (without handles) (7 1/2 × 7 7/16 in.)
Classification
bronze
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
55906
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
On this vessel, monster masks are cast in bold, high relief against a background of finely squared spirals, in a style that reflects the fullest development of Shang surface design. Each mask is composed of prominent horns, eyes, nose, upper jaw, and ears. The low ridge or flange, which bisects each mask, marks a division in the clay mold assembly used to cast this vessel. This type of three-legged cauldron is the most common of all ritual vessels; even after the end of China's Bronze Age, it re...
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...