Vase with elephant-headed handles
This vase turns away from the dense decoration of archaistic bronzes yet conveys an antique look. The bladelike motifs derive from ancient ritual bronzes, but the long flaring neck and bulbous body are features of thirteenth- to fifteenth-century ceramics. Notably, its handles feature elephant heads, a sacred animal in Buddhism. This decor would have been appropriate as a flower vase for Buddhist practitioners or in a monastery.
Artwork Details
- 元/明 象耳銅瓶
- Title: Vase with elephant-headed handles
- Period: Yuan (1271–1368)–Ming (1368–1644) dynasty
- Date: 14th–15th century
- Culture: China
- Medium: Copper alloy
- Dimensions: H. 11 in. (28 cm); W. (at handles) 6 1/2 in. (16.5 cm); Diam. of rim 3 3/8 in. (8.5 cm); Diam. of foot 4 3/4 in. (12 cm)
- Classification: Metalwork
- Credit Line: Purchase, Barbara and William Karatz Gift, 2019
- Object Number: 2019.264
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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China
1713–22
China
late 7th–early 8th century
China (Xinjiang Autonomous Region, Central Asia)
8th century
China
dated 524 (5th year of Zhengguang reign)
China
dated 486 (10th year of Taihe reign)
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