Wine Jar (Hu)
Eastern Zhou dynasty, late Spring and Autumn/early Warring States period (770–222 B.C.), early 5th century B.C.
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
32.4 × 19.7 cm (12 3/4 × 7 3/4 in.); Diam.: 19.7 cm (7 3/4 in.)
Classification
bronze
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
22490
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
This vessel displays a rich variety of ornament and filler patterns: Two thick bands of interlaced dragons, their bodies filled with spirals, triangles, and dots, alternate with thinner bands.
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...