Weight in the Form of Nestled Birds
Tang dynasty, 618–907
Medium
Gilt bronze
Dimensions
W.: 5.4 cm (2 1/8 in.)
Classification
bronze
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
32539
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
This small gilt-bronze sculpture captures the tender image of two birds nestled against each other. Their interlocking claws and tail feathers on the front side, along with the overlapping wings on the reverse, create a strong sense of liveliness and intimacy. This object might have functioned as a sleeve weight, which was used in burials to anchor the sleeve of the deceased.
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...