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Vase with waves and animal masks

late 13th–14th century
Not on view
With its long neck and round body, this flower vase takes the form of a ritual wine container (hu), first produced in China during the Shang (ca. 1600–1046 BCE) and Zhou (ca. 1046–256 BCE) dynasties. The mask-like imagery on its lower section has similar roots. Such details reveal the growing popularity of antiquarianism in China from the twelfth to the fourteenth century. The pattern of cresting waves at the top of the vase, on the other hand, is a motif faithful to contemporary paintings, ceramics, and other art forms.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 元 雲耳波濤獸面紋銅瓶
  • Title: Vase with waves and animal masks
  • Period: Yuan dynasty (1271–1368)
  • Date: late 13th–14th century
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Copper alloy
  • Dimensions: H. 7 1/4 in. (18.4 cm); W. 3 3/8 in. (8.6 cm); D. 2 5/8 in. (6.7 cm)
  • Classification: Metalwork
  • Credit Line: Purchase, The B. D. G. Leviton Foundation Gift, 1987
  • Object Number: 1987.112
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art

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