Vase in Shape of Archaic Bronze Vessel
The shape, the two stylized elephant’s heads supporting the rings at the sides, and the decoration carved into the surface allude to the forms and designs found in some of China’s earliest bronze vessels, produced during the Shang (ca. 1600–1050 B.C.) and Zhou (ca. 1050–256 B.C.) dynasties. These early vessels, which were used in court and ancestral rituals, were re-created in porcelain and other media for centuries.
Artwork Details
- Title: Vase in Shape of Archaic Bronze Vessel
- Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Qianlong mark and period (1736–95)
- Date: 18th century
- Culture: China
- Medium: Soft-paste porcelain (Jingdezhen ware)
- Dimensions: H. 8 in. (20.3 cm)
- Classification: Ceramics
- Credit Line: Bequest of Benjamin Altman, 1913
- Object Number: 14.40.141
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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1713–22
17th century
dated 1774
late 17th century
Accession Number: 17.120.194
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