Vase (One of a Pair)
1675–85
Medium
Non-lead glass and gilded silver
Dimensions
41.3 × 14.6 cm (16 1/4 × 5 3/4 in.); 41.5 × 14.7 cm (16 5/16 × 5 3/4 in.)
Classification
vase
Department
Applied Arts of Europe
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
198339
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
This large vase, one of a pair in the Art Institute, was part of a garniture—a set of large ornamental vessels, often ceramic or precious metal like silver—displayed on tall cabinets or fireplace mantels. Glass garnitures are rare, and likely intended to replicate rock crystal (quartz) vessels. The fine silver-gilt mounts add ornament as well as strengthen their fragile rims. Another similar vase is in the Victoria and Albert Museum, which may have been part of the same garniture. Late seventee...
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...