Wine Container
Western Zhou dynasty ( 1046771 BC ), late 11th/early 10th century BC
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
29 × 21.6 cm (11 7/16 × 8 1/2 in.); Diam.: 21.6 cm (8 1/2 in.)
Classification
vessel
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
58156
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Exuberant, crested birds that encircle the central and lower zones of this vessel, together with jagged vertical flanges, display the new flamboyance of Western Zhou design. Around the neck, rising blades exhibit spreading cicada-like forms and the suggestion of monster masks. The surface of this vessel is of silvery color with patches of azurite blue and malachite green encrustations. The base is inscribed "Jian made (this) precious sacrificial vessel."
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...