Vase with Loop Handles
Ming dynasty (1368–1644), 15th century
Medium
Porcelain painted in underglaze blue
Dimensions
H.: 15.3 cm (6 in.)
Classification
vase
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
147022
Rights
Public Domain
Art Historical Context
Nestled in the Art Institute of Chicago's Arts Asia collection, this delicate *Vase with Loop Handles* hails from China's Ming dynasty (13681644), specifically the15th century. Standing 15.3 cm (6 in.) tall, its petite form features elegant loop handles, making it a charming example of porcelain craftsmanship from an era when imperial kilns produced some of the world's most coveted ceramics. Crafted in porcelain painted with underglaze blue—a hallmark Ming technique—the vase's cobalt pigment was applied to the unfired clay body before a transparent glaze was added and the whole piece fired at high temperatures. This method yielded vibrant, durable blues that wouldn't fade, revolutionizing ceramic art. Ming potters, centered in Jingdezhen, perfected this process, blending artistry with technical innovation to create wares fit for emperors, scholars, and export to distant lands via the Silk Roads. Symbolizing the dynasty's cultural zenith, such vases graced altars, gardens, and elite interiors, embodying harmony and refinement. Though the artist remains unknown, this piece whispers of the anonymous mastery that made Ming porcelain a global treasure, influencing designs from Europe to Persia.
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...