Tubular Fitting
Eastern Zhou dynasty, Warring States period (480–221 B.C.), 4th/3rd century B.C.
Medium
Bronze inlaid with gold and silver
Dimensions
12.1 × 4.4 cm (4 3/4 × 1 11/16 in.); Diam.: 4.4 cm (1 11/16 in.)
Classification
bronze
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
53276
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Sumptuously inlaid bronze tubes were designed as fittings for weapons, scepters, and chariots. This bottle-shaped fitting may have formed part of the axel cap for the wheel of a ceremonial chariot. In its remarkable fluency, the inlaid design of volutes and spirals was largely inspired by contemporary lacquer painting.
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...