Double vessel with mythical beasts (champion vase)
This type of vessel, with two narrow vertical compartments connected by a carving of a mythical bird, is known as a “champion vase” in Western writings. The name may be a loose translation of yingxiongbei, or “hero’s cup,” referring to the eagle (ying) and the bear (xiong) supporting it. Based on an archaic bronze type that can be traced back to the second century BCE, champion vases were revived beginning in the sixteenth century and were subsequently manufactured in different media, including cloisonné, jade, and rhinoceros horn.
Artwork Details
- 清中期 掐絲琺琅英雄雙聯瓶
- Title: Double vessel with mythical beasts (champion vase)
- Period: Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
- Date: 18th century
- Culture: China
- Medium: Cloisonné enamel
- Dimensions: H. 8 1/2 in. (21.6 cm); W. 3 7/8 in. (9.8 cm); D. 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm)
- Classification: Cloisonné
- Credit Line: Gift of Edward G. Kennedy, 1929
- Object Number: 29.110.80a, b
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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China
18th century
China
1713–22
China
dated 1774
China
China
17th century
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