Vase with wave pattern and animal-head handles
On loan to The Met
This work of art is currently on loan to the museum.This finely cast vase exemplifies how ancient bronze designs were creatively reinterpreted in the fourteenth century. The dense patterns of square and hexagonal spirals encircling its neck and foot and surging waves encircling the belly are new inventions that have replaced archaic-style motifs, such as animal masks.
Artwork Details
- 元 獸耳水濤紋銅瓶
- Title: Vase with wave pattern and animal-head handles
- Period: Yuan dynasty (1271–1368)
- Date: 14th century
- Culture: China
- Medium: Copper alloy
- Dimensions: H. 8 1/4 in. (21 cm); Diam. 3 3/4 in. (9.5 cm)
- Classification: Metalwork
- Credit Line: Promised Gift of Julia and John Curtis
- Object Number: L.2025.30.2
- Rights and Reproduction: Image © The Metropolitan Museum of Art, photo by Oi-Cheong Lee
- Curatorial Department: Asian Art
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