showing 100 of 7388 results matching country:"China". (load 200 more)

advanced
info
seated Buddha; gilt and red and blue paint

Seated Avalokiteshvara Boddhisattva (Guanyin), late 11th-early 12th century

China

G200

Carved from pale gray-green stone with cloudy white mottling and black and brown rivering throughout, the mountain landscape with high rising peaks and numerous figures and pavillions amid foliage on both sides, with the seal of the Emperor Qianlong above a long inscription on one side, the reverse with a further inscription and a seal, one seal referring to the eightieth year of the Emperor Qianlong,corresponding to the year 1784.

Jade Mountain Illustrating the Gathering of Scholars at the Lanting Pavilion, 1790

China

G210

standing horse with legs slightly splayed outward; wide eyes; open mouth with exposed teeth; upward-pointed ears; green patina with white, blue and red pigment traces

Celestial Horse, 25-220

China

Not on View
Library and Rock Garden

The Studio of Gratifying Discourse, 1797

China

G216

Vessel in the shape of an owl. Two flanges, one ending just under the beak in front and the other continuing to the top of the head in back, have alternating straight and L-shaped scores, those on the front flange being much the deeper of the two. The tail, with a scored flange border, forms the back support of the vessel. Apart from the realistically-formed feet, the bird is strongly stylized. The body is completely covered by rows of scales except for the shoulder line, expressed by a vigorous spiral, and the wings quills, rendered by bands filled with antithetical spirals. Patina green.

Zun wine vessel in the shape of an owl, 13th-12th century BCE

China

G214

Standing Guanyin with lotus bud(?) in left hand, right hand missing, inscribed base which bears the date 571 A.D., translation of inscription filed with purchase blank, from Xi'an in Shaanxi province.

Standing Bodhisattva, 571

China

G200

Standing Screen with Marble Panel, gray brown and white marble slab reminiscent of a misty mountain, set into a wood frame; twelve carved panels within frame depict chi dragons and scrolls; frame set into larger stand

Screen, 17th century

China

G217

chased silver dish decorated with scene from the "Former Red Cliff Ode" by Su Shi (1037-1101); engraved in painterly baimiao style showing the poet in court robes with two companions relaxing in a boat drifting on tranquil water, with a winepot and cups on the table in front of them; one figure playing a flute and the other holding an open book; rocky banks with grasses and tall reeds, a willow and a cassia tree; small waterfall spilling down from high cliffs at the far shore; sky with pair of birds flying to the left towards a constellation of seven stars drawn as circles joined by thin lines to form the Big Dipper seen through drifting clouds surrounding a full moon engraved with the legendary yu tu dao yaou scene of the Moon Rabbit under the cassia tree pounding a pestle in a mortar; shallow plain sides of octafoil bracket-lobed outline rising to a barbed everted rim

Silver plate decorated with chased “Red Cliff” scene, 13th century

China

G208

squat, round, red lacquer covered box with black interior and bottom; cover decorated with flowers, foliage and 2 birds with long tail feathers; sides of box with flowers and foliage

Box, 13th century

China

G215

Blue-and-White dish, porcelain; decorated in a deep blue in the center with a large peahen flying amongst peonies, the cavetto molded with a band of peonies in white in a blue ground, the rim with a border of stylized waves and a molded foliated edge; the reverse has a typical wide unglazed base with a short foot ring and the exterior is decorated with a band of scrolling lotus

Dish, 14th century

Unknown

G325

Wallpaper, 19th century

China

G328

standing horse balancing on three legs; mouth open; short tail pointing up; leaning slightly to proper left

Prancing Horse, 1st-3rd century

China

G215

The Wu Family Reception Hall, early 17th century

China

G218

Seated figure, resting PR elbow on raised PR knee, PL leg bent and on ground and PL arm behind, hand resting on ground; wearing bracelets, long necklaces and elaborate crown

Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva in the Water-Moon Form (Shuiyue Guanyin), 12th century

China

G200

Standing Bodhisattva of white marble, arms broken off below shoulder. The figure wears a narrow scarf, barely defined, and a skirt girdled at the waist, its upper edge finished with a curling line. Jewelled necklace and long chains. High headdress. Feet missing, head restored at throat where formerly broken off.

Standing bodhisattva, one of a pair, late 6th century

China

G200

Sarcophagus, with accompanying memorial tablet and cover, made for the Chinese General, Prince Cheng Ching, 524 A.D. The six bas-reliefs comprising this group include the two ends and two sides of the sarcophagus, the tablet, and its cover. The sides are decorated in low relief with five groups of historical personages, illustrating filial piety scenes, in a landscape of trees and mountains in which dragons, phoenix, and other symbolical animals roam. The head end bears a scene including a bridge leading over a lotus pond to a gate decorated with 24 bells representing 12 pairs of musical accords. Two guardians flank the gate. The foot end carries a large dragon in a landscape. The memorial tablet bears a long inscription including Cheng Ching's biography, the Emperor's eulogy, and the date 524 A.D. The sides are decorated with large dragons. The cover of the tablet is surrounded by a bevelled edge of conventionalized dragon heads and contains remnants of bronze handles at the four corners. Along the sides, on the top surface, are eight blank squares indicating places for sacrificial vessels. The major figures and forms on the stones stand in relief and have been polished to form an even surface; the spaces betwen were left rough. All six reliefs are in fairly good condition with the exception of the cover for the memorial tablet which has been gouged at the corners. The sarcophagus was undoubtedly carved at Loyang, the Northern Wei capitol from 484 A.D.

Sarcophagus of Prince Yuan Mi, 524

China

G208

Bamboo and Rocks, c. 1760

Zheng Xie

Not on View
white and grey veined marble; carved sculpture in the form of a Chinese side chair with curved back

Copyright Š Ai Weiwei 2008

Marble Chair, 2008

Ai Weiwei

Not on View
the nude boy shown crouching in an almost horizontal position, holding a bird in his left hand, the chubby face with simply carved features and the hair pulled back in double knots; carved from greenish white stone. Former Classification: Jade

Pillow, 17th-18th century

China

Not on View
bronze budhist temple bell; tall football shaped body with flat top; two dragons turned away from each other form hanger at top center; sides decorated with two rectangular fields striped with three bands of three raised circular bumps

Bo bell, late 6th-5th century BCE

China

G215

dark brown in color; square mouth piece cut from rim of smaller end; five holes at top, three at underside

Vertical flute, c. 1800

China

G216

Horse with long mane and clipped tail. ca 725 A.D. Glazed pottery tomb figure, one of a pair, on a flat base. The decoration of the trappings is in the Sassanian style. Glaze predominantly a fine cobalt blue which has oxidized on the hind legs to an irridescent silvery-blue. Saddle and top saddle pad unglazed.

Horse, early 8th century

China

G208

Both sides inscribed with very small text in black and red; short sides are selvedge edges

Cheat's Handkerchief, c. 1860

China

G217

Cosmetic Case and Mirror Stand, early 17th century

China

Not on View
thinly cast with a narrow spout and pointed lip above an oblong body cast with three medial lines, a single loop handle; all standing on tall blade-form legs

Jue wine vessel, 16th-15th century BCE

China

G214

Yao-Chou celadon bowl, porcelain, carved lotus design.

Bowl, 960-1279

China

G204

gourd with flowers, foliage and insects, ivory ring at mouth; rounded cover with tortoise shell carved with flowering bush

Cricket Container, Date Unknown

China

G216

set of 32 chessmen, sixteen red and sixteen white (natural); each chaessman stands on a carved filigree globe, within which are one or more free carved balls; the globe rests on small turned stem, and the foot is carved with double row of lotus design

Chess Set, 18th century

China

Not on View
armorial porcelain deep dish painted with fly amidst butterfly wings, turquoise ground with reserve cartouches enclosing arms and monogram of Grimaldi

Dish, c. 1735

China

G209

red spongelike rock with white striations

Scholar's Rock, early 19th century

China

G218

Dancers, pair

Dancing Figure, one of a pair, 3rd century BCE - 3rd century CE

China

G215

Tomb Figurine of a Court Lady, 618-906

China

G208

crouching rabbit with small ears and brown eyes; rectangular base with squared-off corners

Figure of a Rabbit, 8th-9th century

China

G204

camel standing on diamond-shaped base; head up, tail up and curled; yellow with traces of red and black pigment; single hump

Two camels and a groom (Camel), 618-907

China

G207

The decor is disposed in the three areas usual in vessels of this class the foot, bulb, and neck. The foot belt, divided into four panels by deeply scored flanges, displays a mask t'ao-tieh with a C-shaped mouthline, hooked forehead shield, small eyebrows, and S-shaped norns. Above is a narrow band with consecutive trunked dragons. The decor ground is of squared spirals throughout. The bulb, also divided into four panels, displays a t'ao-tieh bodied to the extent that some simple lines of a vertical body still remain above the leg. The central line of the face, with no forehead shield, is formed by the flange. The lower zone of the high throat is filled with consecutive snakes, their heads turned EN FACE. Above are slender rising blades, the major part of each filled with a t'ao-t'ieh to be seen from above. Streaked eyebrows appear over buldging eyes, and over these, again, long-drawn-out C-shaped figures forming the horns. Below the eyes are two C-shaped figures, modifications of mouthlines. At the end of the blade, separated from the t'ao-t'ieh by a narrow, empty band, is a V-figure- a corruption of a cicada drawing. Patina grey-green and blue-green with patches of red. Except for a cross-shaped perforation between the foot and the area above, the beaker is in almost every detail exactly similar to the one with a Yin inscription published in Huang, TSUN KU CHAI.

Gu wine vessel, 12th-11th century BCE

China

G214

Mortuary figures, pair of, representing warriors both wear armor, with curious head-dresses, and one carries a sword-like object. Four of these figures were found at the entrance of a tomb in Honan province. Two bought by M.I.A., and two by the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. They are fashioned of polychromed pottery of the greyish cast associated with Wei. Traces of faded terra cotta color remain. These are unusually large tomb figures.

Tomb Guardian Figures, early 6th century

China

G208

octagonal box with lid; lid carved with central circle surrounded by 4 C-scrolls and 4 concentric bands of tixi scrolls; box decorated with rolls of same scrolls; black interior

Octagonal Box, 15th century

China

G215

base with iridescent light green glaze and 2 animals, one standing on the back of the other; long post topped with openwork bird finial; 4 long branches at top: 3 depict figures dancing and holding objects and a figure under a canopy on top of branch and figures and radiating coins below branch; one depicts same scene except an animal replaces the figure under canopy; 20 rectangular branches, 19 with figures, horses, deer and figure under canopy with coins sprouting from branches; one with same scene except animal and figure(?) replace figure under canopy; 40 small branches with 3 radiating coins; pendant of monkey with a coin

Money Tree, 1st-2nd century

China

G201

Slab built and modeled, rectangular courtyard surrounded by a tile roofed wall; seperate elements are a pigsty, boar, round food dish, rectangular food dish, seated figure, bird, dog, suckling pig, four piglets.

Funerary Model of a Pig Sty, 2nd century BCE

China

G215

hinged covered red lacquer box with a removable front panel; tray under cover, six drawers behind panel; flying crane and phoenix over rock and crashing waves, main design at top and sides of box

Cosmetic Cabinet, 16th century

China

G215

folding chair with woven seat; inlaid iron decorations on arms and footrest; carved open-mouthed animals where arms attach to seat

Folding round-back armchair, late 16th century

China

G217

Stone head of Buddha. A fragment consisting of the face only, modelled in the style that heralds the Tang.

Head of a Buddha, 570-577

China

G200

Ceremonial Gate, 1728

China

G217

standing figure with arms bent at elbows, PL forearm slightly lower than PR forearm; unfinished back; looping drapery folds

Standing Shakyamuni Buddha, late 6th century

China

G207

Jewelled headdress with pendants suspended from the beaks of decorative birds or from projecting scrolls. Right hand is on right knee, left hand is raised toward the chief diety. Sitting in a cross-legged position, the image of his Dhyani-Buddha in his headdress. Hip-length blouse, with wide round neck and rolled over collar, has a center vertical panel which is pulled into the neck when seated. Three-quarter length sleeves. The skirt is finely pleated and caught up slightly on either side of the leg.

Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva (Guanyin), from a set of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva and Flying Celestials, c. 951-953

China

G200

Spinach green jade, carved in chrysanthemum form, small flutings, spread in tiers from the center of the plate, representing the petals of the flower. Carved on both sides, the petals curled over the rim. The jade is extremely thin and translucent.

Plate, 18th-19th century

China

G210

head with elongated earlobes; downcast eyes; headdress with scrolls, tassels and floral forms, with pair of ornaments on either side with three red balls on blue drops; traces of blue pigment at hairline; traces of red pigment on lips; traces of olive-colored patina on skin of face; red, green and blue pigment on headdress; received attached to rectangular black base

Head of a Bodhisattva, late 6th century

China

G200

ovoid shape, with two handle-like protrusions on long sides; rust-red and brown; rim and handles painted with running geometric designs

Wine Cup, 2nd century BCE

China

G215

standing male figure wearing armor and tall hat, with thin moustache and beard; figure stands with both feet on a white-skinned demon with fangs, green claws and black hair

Lokapala Guardian King, one of a pair, late 7th-early 8th century

China

G207

orchid plant with very long, thin turquoise-colored leaves and pale green flowers at center; two lines of text--one at left edge, one at right edge; five red seals, including very large red seal at top center

Fragrance of the Orchids, 1902

Empress Dowager Cixi

G203

half of a gourd with flat portion of wood; gourd carved overall with geometric designs; radiating half-circle door on one side

Dome-shaped Cricket Carrier, Date Unknown

China

G217

The sculpture quality of these dashing beasts is admirably conveyed by their carriage, the proud pose of their heads, and the almost arrogant suppleness of their bodies. The forceful comma-shapes of the tails and their jaunty tufts, as well as the double-rope pattern on the mustachios, give ample proof that, in spite of the scale that, in these creatures must be dated later than Middle Chou. Patina grey-green

Winged dragon, one of a pair, 5th-4th century BCE

China

G214

The name Kuei for this vessel type is well established in the early literature. The surfaces of the vessel are divided into four vertical panels by four flanges on the foot, two flanges and two handles on the body. These narrow, thin flanges contrast contrast sharply with the heavy handles and their massive bovine heads. The principal figures in the decor, executed in low relief except for the strongly protruding eyes, are so covered with adorning lines that they tend to merge with the ground of squared spirals. In the foot belt are rudimentary t'ao-t'ieh masks, the central line formrd by two of the flanges, and two consecutive, head-turning dragons with C-shaped horns. The mask t'ao-t'ieh on the belly, with ordinary features strongly detatched, is flanked by vertical dragons. The flanges form the centers of two such t'ao-tieh, the handles of two other masks in which the face (nose and hooked forehead shield) has been cleft, leavint an interstice as broad as the handles between the two halves. This space under the handles is decorated with a bovine head in flat relief, thus creating a small t'ao-t'ieh inside a larger one. The neck belt displays dragons with oversized beaks. Patina blackish.

Gui food vessel, 11th century BCE

China

G214

The profile of the body is S-shaped with the inward curvature placed close to the rim of the vessel. Dragonized t'ao-t'ieh (winged-dragon type) and rising blades with stylized cicadas decorate the neck belt. The body t'ao-t'ieh, on a ground of squared spirals, displays unusual features horns with the alternate T-shaped and straight scores usually associated with flanges, and a hybrid forehead shield with the upper part hooked and the lower half drawn as the rounded-top shield. Also to be noted is the small vertical dragon beneath the tail of the cleft t'ao-t'ieh under the handle. For a discussion of this element, see Karlgren, Number 11, Plate 14 (50.46.43). The handle, with a bovine head at the top, terminates with curved legs ending in hoofs on the sides. Underneath, in the place for an inscription, is a human figure in flat relief on a spiral ground. Patina grey-green and blue.

Jia wine vessel, 12th century BCE

China

G214

This vessel, the disposition of its decor on a bare ground, the panels and the system of flanges, free animal's heads, and handles that delimit them, are the same as in the Kuei 50.46.19, Karlgren pl.49. The beaked dragons in neck and foot belts have the unusual feature of an additional plume which hangs down from the curled-up tail. The handles are topped with rams' heads and terminate at the bottom with a C-hook reminiscent of the bird's tail on vessels 49 and 52. Most interesting feature of the vessel is the decor on the bottom surface. It is a coiled dragon, in threadlike relief, with a rolled-up nose and a body adorned with a row of big scales. A foot with claws and fetlock is seen on the inside curve. The outer edge of the body has tufts which in pairs form C-figures. The space behind the tail has been filled out with a simple figure with is really the rudiment of a dragon body. Patina grey-green.

Gui food vessel, 11th-10th century BCE

China

G214

The principle surface displays a rectangular field of interlocked T's on a ground of squared spirals framed on three sides by rows of spikes. Scored flanges at the four corners of the vessel are supplemented in the upper belt by additional flanges which thus divide it into eight panels. Antithetical, long-tailed birds flank the short flanges forming the central ridge of a rudimentary t'ao-t'ieh mask. Hanging blades appear on the cylindrical legs, and disfigured dragons in flat relief on the outer surface of the upright handles. Patina green

Fangding food vessel, 11th century BCE

China

G214

This ting represents the Huai style at its extreme point in the matter of the vessel shape. The tradition that in this style the body of the Ting is big and bulky in proportion to the extremely short, thin legs, is here carried to the ultimate degree. The high lid, its ring-shaped top capable of serving as a foot if the lid is inverted, is fully spherical in shape. The legs are very small and thin and display a t'ao-t'ieh with spiral horns on their upper parts. (The t'ao-t'ieh, all but extinct during Middle Chou, reappeared in the Huai Style Period). Dissolved dragon rigid ring handles are adorned with a row of cowries bordered by rope-patterned bands. On the top of the lid, a loosely twined cord pattern encloses a quartefoil with its central disk filled with granulation. Patina blue-green.

Vessel with Cover, 5th-4th century BCE

China

G214

'Kia', with uprights. A strongly S-profiled wall, its inward curvature placed low, creates a high, flaring collar decorated with a band of dragonized t'ao-t'ieh. Above is a row of rising blades filled with stylized cicadas. On the body, three deeply scored flanges form the central ridges of three dissolved t'ao-t'ieh on a spiral ground. The handle is surmounted by an animal's head with well defined feratures. The upper part, forming the neck of the animal, is covered with rows of scales; the lower part, starting from the mouth, is decorated with incised compound spirals in front and with lozenges in low relief on the sides. Directly under the handle, two small dragons with turned heads stand opposite each other. Patina blue-green.

Jia wine vessel, 13th-12th century BCE

China

G214

The low-relief decor is confined to the belly of this flask. In the lower, main belt, on a ground of squared spirals, it displays a geometrical pattern reminiscent of the compound lozenge and interlocked 'T' motifs. It also recalls the decor of the white ceramic wares of Anyang. The band of highly stylized dragons above presents another point of contact with Anyang ceramics. The top belt on the body carries a band of 'S' shaped spirals bordered by circle bands.The lid and its knob are almost conical. Both are adorned with whorl circles; in relief on the lid, on the knob in incised lines. On the throat, just below the lid, are two small ears, perhaps for passing a cord. Patina grey-green.

Hu wine vessel, 13th-12th century BCE

China

G214

The decor of the upper part of this bipartite boiler is restricted to a neck belt with low, narrow flanges of which every second becomes the central ridge in the face of a dragonized t'ao-t'ieh,the halves formed by winged dragons.The bulbs of the Li-ting forming the lower half of the vessel are adorned with forceful t'ao-t'ieh heads of a fairly realistic bovine type, with eyebrows, ears, scaly horns .

Yan steamer, 11th century BCE

T'Ien Nung

G214

Stout Wine Beaker,'Tsun', inscribed. A high degree of sophistication is evident in the decor of this broad beaker. In the foot and principal body belts it is disposed in six panels formed by six flanges with straight and L-shaped scores. The foot belt displays a dragonized t'ao-t'ieh with S-shaped horns, and a tail rising in an S-curve. The same decor occurs in the main body belt, where the vertical dragons under the raised tail are clearly visible. The narrow belt above has only three flanges, which form the central lines of dragonized, winged t'ao-t'ieh. The spaces occupied below by additional flanges are filled by t'ao-t'ieh in flat relief. All of these dragonized t'ao-t'ieh have T-shaped horns. The six panels on the shoulder, delimited alternately by flanges and big, plastically rendered rams heads, carry dragon figures with protruding eyes executed in exaggerated loops. In the lower belt of the neck, which has no flanges, pairs of consecutive trunked dragons facing to the right confronting pairs facing to the left. They have bottle horns and quills on their backs. Above, in the slender, rising blades, the decor filling consists of antithetical dragons with standing C-shaped horns, their trunk-like noses meeting in the median line, their narrow, band-like bodies joining at the tip of the blade and its filling is probably meant to suggest an eyed cicada, which it does in fact vaguely suggest. Patina green with patches of blue. The inscription depicts a wine vessel.

Zun wine vessel, late 12th-11th century BCE

China

G214

The chequer motif achieved by plain bands (here with raised borders), each chequer filled with the comma pattern (cf. Karlgren Number 55, 50.46.10), is common on these flat Hu. The rising blades on the neck are bare. The t'ao-t'ieh mask on the loose ring handles has the volute with triangle as its principal decor feature (on the ring in inlay); on the cheek line there is a granulation pattern. Patina greenish-grey. With copper inlay; Huai style.

Bianhu wine vessel, 5th century BCE

China

G214

The term Tou for this type of vessel is confirmed by inscriptions. The slightly flattened sphere formed by body and lid appears huge and bulky in comparison with the short, footed stem. When inverted on its shallow disk the lid serves as a separate bowl. This top is adorned with a whorl circle surrounded by squared spirals. The surrounding border is filled with interlaced snakes on a granulation ground. On the lid proper there are three decor belts, separated by bare bands, filled with a minute comma-pattern. The body of the vessel has a similar belt of commas set off by a bare band at the rim and by a narrow rope-patterned band in relief below. There follows a very narrow band of comma pattern above a band of heart-shaped hanging blades filled with commas. the foot, like the disk on the lid, has a belt with interlaced snakes on a granulation ground. The ring-shaped handles have pointed spirals and a rope-patterned band. Patina Grey-green with patches of blue.

Dou food vessel, one of a pair, 400 BCE

China

G214

Tendai Priest (Patriarch) Portrait of one of the eight high priests of the Tendai Sect of Buddhism in Japan. Kamakura. 1185 to 1392 A.D. Single wood construction; no restoration.

Figure of a Monk, 9th-10th century

China

MS

The decor displays outstanding elements of the Middle Chou repertoire on a vessel reminiscent in profile of an earlier Hu (50.46.26, Karlgren number 19). An eyed band with diagonals appears on the foot and on the belly is a system of scale bands in flat relief, imitating straps around the flask. Big lozenges in high, peaked relief occur at the junction of these bands. An identical scale band decorates the neck, which has, in its narrowest part, two small handles. These, with two free animals' heads, achieve a division into four sections. The handles are adorned with t'ao-t'ieh heads (rare int he Middle Chou style and usually found on such accesory parts as handles or legs). The scale band is repeated for the third time on the lid a functional member in that the ring-shaped top can serve as a foot if the lid, inverted, is turned into a cup. Patina green with patches of red.

Hu wine vessel, late 9th-8th century BCE

China

G214

bowl with loop handles on three legs; band of t'ao-t'ieh masks and medallions surrounding rim

Ting (Ritual Food Vessel), 12th century BCE

China

G214

deep relief carving; Buddha at L seated on a throne with PL hand on head of kneeling Bodhisattva with clasped hands; 7 other figures stand behind and to R and L

Buddha Stroking the Head of a Follower, late 8th century

China

G200

bulb shaped with ring handles; handles held on by hardware with animal-like "face"; incised pattern covers entire vessel; vessle is green with areas of white showing through the pattern

Hu wine vessel, 5th-4th century BCE

China

G214

Sarcophagus, with accompanying memorial tablet and cover, made for the Chinese General, Prince Cheng Ching, 524 A.D. The six bas-reliefs comprising this group include the two ends and two sides of the sarcophagus, the tablet, and its cover. The sides are decorated in low relief with five groups of historical personages, illustrating filial piety scenes, in a landscape of trees and mountains in which dragons, phoenix, and other symbolical animals roam. The head end bears a scene including a bridge leading over a lotus pond to a gate decorated with 24 bells representing 12 pairs of musical accords. Two guardians flank the gate. The foot end carries a large dragon in a landscape. The memorial tablet bears a long inscription including Cheng Ching's biography, the Emperor's eulogy, and the date 524 A.D. The sides are decorated with large dragons. The cover of the tablet is surrounded by a bevelled edge of conventionalized dragon heads and contains remnants of bronze handles at the four corners. Along the sides, on the top surface, are eight blank squares indicating places for sacrificial vessels. The major figures and forms on the stones stand in relief and have been polished to form an even surface; the spaces betwen were left rough. All six reliefs are in fairly good condition with the exception of the cover for the memorial tablet which has been gouged at the corners. The sarcophagus was undoubtedly carved at Loyang, the Northern Wei capitol from 484 A.D.

Epitaph cover of Prince Yuan Mi, 524

China

G208

Sarcophagus, with accompanying memorial tablet and cover, made for the Chinese General, Prince Cheng Ching, 524 A.D. The six bas-reliefs comprising this group include the two ends and two sides of the sarcophagus, the tablet, and its cover. The sides are decorated in low relief with five groups of historical personages, illustrating filial piety scenes, in a landscape of trees and mountains in which dragons, phoenix, and other symbolical animals roam. The head end bears a scene including a bridge leading over a lotus pond to a gate decorated with 24 bells representing 12 pairs of musical accords. Two guardians flank the gate. The foot end carries a large dragon in a landscape. The memorial tablet bears a long inscription including Cheng Ching's biography, the Emperor's eulogy, and the date 524 A.D. The sides are decorated with large dragons. The cover of the tablet is surrounded by a bevelled edge of conventionalized dragon heads and contains remnants of bronze handles at the four corners. Along the sides, on the top surface, are eight blank squares indicating places for sacrificial vessels. The major figures and forms on the stones stand in relief and have been polished to form an even surface; the spaces betwen were left rough. All six reliefs are in fairly good condition with the exception of the cover for the memorial tablet which has been gouged at the corners. The sarcophagus was undoubtedly carved at Loyang, the Northern Wei capitol from 484 A.D.

Epitaph cover of Prince Yuan Mi, 524

China

G208

The pronounced sperical shape of this flask is most unusual. the decor is disposed in four broad belts set off from each other by narrow, bare, ridged bands bordering a single line of spirals. The belts, and the rising blades on the neck, are filled awith the comma pattern. The t'ao-t'ieh on the ring handle has scale bands on top and two big scales under the eyes. Patina blue-green.

Hu wine vessel, 4th century BCE

China

G214

Thick, unusually heavy flanges, narrowing toward the vessel, divide the foot, bulb, and neck into panels. They are scored with alternating straight and T-shaped scores, the stem of the T turned inward instead of outward in the usual fashion. This is a most eccentric feature. The decor, on a ground of squared spirals, covers almost the entire vessel. The t'ao-t'ieh on foot and bulb are similar but vary in detail.The foot monster has a lower forehead shield, no eyebrows and S-shaped horns, as against the recumbent C-shaped horns of the beast on the bulb. The remnants of a vertical body and a leg are the same on both. In the lower neck belt are antithetical beaked dragons. Above are blunt, sturdy rising blades with a decor to be seen from the top. Flanking the flange, as a central line, are two antithetical dragons with strongly hooked beaks and C-shaped horns, their bodies going down (with a leg half way and a tuft lower down) meeting at the end of the blade. Together their heads form a t'ao-t'ieh (observe the ears in the outer border of the blade). In the decor throughout, the principal raised features, shaped as broad, flat bands, are quite smooth except for a few scores on the horns of the bulb t'ao-t'ieh. Patina green with patches of red. The symbol in the inscription may be an abbreviation of the graph lu. For a comment see Karlgren, Number 18 (50.46.97).

Zun wine vessel, 11th century BCE

China

G214

This vessel is a remarkable example of its type, and of perfect workmanship. The body is divided into three horizontal belts by narrow, bare interstices uninterrupted by the scored flanges which, with the handle of the vessel, delimit four panels. The plain handle has an animal's head with zigzag lines across the nose and C-shaped horns with parallel lines in thin, thread relief. The lid is partly shaped as a plastic animal. The head, with the forehead lozenge and bottle horns of a t'ao-t'ieh, has other, more realistic details well-modelled ears and a mouth with saw-like teeth. The body is that of a long-drawn-out dragon in low relief reclining along the center of the lid. The central flange, curving with the body in the looped tail, has straight and T-shaped scores. A t'ao-t'ieh and various types of dragons figure in a decor scheme that covers almost the entire body of the vessel. The bodied t'ao-t'ieh with S-shaped horns in the middle belt is flanked by strongly stylized head turning dragons. Also strongly stylized are the dragons in the foot belt, which are similar to those on vessels 50.46.43, Karlgren #11, and 50.46.89, Karlgren #21. The consecutive dragons in the neck belt are not identical. To the right is an ordinary beaked dragon with recumbent C-shaped horn and a small vertical crest. The dragon under the spout of the vessel has no crest. Its horn is heart-shaped, and it has the drawn-out, pointed eye of the t'ao-t'ieh below. Its enormous beak is drawn out to parallel the curve in the rim. Inside the curve of the beak is a small, head turning dragon. The big dragon on the lid has spirals at the base of the horns and a single scale between parallel zigzag lines that flank the central flange, forming the common lozenge pattern. The legs, in flat relief, flank the big dragon, thier tails meeting at the end of the lid. Patina light blue-green.

Gong wine vessel, late 13th century BCE

China

G214

This small sculpture of a kneeling man holding a tube-like vessel in his extended hands is one of a group of similar figures that may have served as torch bearers in a tomb. The sensitively modelled face, with an expression at once tentative and hopeful lends credibility to this supposition. The figure is clothed in a close-fitting garment that wraps from left to right in a broad overlap and is belted with a narrow band. The head-covering, rather like an open helmet, is broad at the back and rises to a peak-like top before descending in a narrow, tounge-shaped band to the forehead. It is bound to the head by a strap that goes down in front of the ears and under the chin. A second strap passes around the head from the forehead to the occiput. This figure is one of a group of bronze sculptures found in the Han family tombs a Kin-ts'un near Lo-yang and reported by W. C. White in Tombs of Old Lo-Yang. The artistic tradition of the early Yin culture, modified by an approach to nature, still persists in some of these small bronze sculptures from the old Lo-yang area. Their general characteristics - the unvarying block-like form, the broad type with large round eyes, the details of costume, particularly the head gear, reflect a new interest in and a closer observation of nature. Such figures constitute the links between early Yin sculptures and those of Han time. Essential characteristics of the earlier works do persist, but in a modified form. One discerns also in these small works, as in some other early Chinese bronzes, a resemblance to certain examples of pre-Columbian art -- a kind of parallelism which points to a similar artistic disposition or a common origin, rather than to any direct influence or intercommunication between these centers of art so widely separated in time and space. However this paralleleism came about, it is clear that the sculptural products of Yin-Chou art reflect traditions of style no longer to be found in those of Han time. Patina green

Kneeling figure, 4th century BCE

China

G214

The rich decor of the vessel covers every surface except the backs of the stubby legs. The ground is squared spirals throughout. On the long side of the body the median line is marked by a free animal's head on the neck belt and by a t'ao-t'ieh in low relief on the bottom. The shoulder line of the owl is boldly stylized into an enormous spiral, the wing quills emerging in narrow parallel bands. Behind the quills the tail protrudes in a short downward hook. The shoulder, neck and quills are covered with scales. Two birds with cleft crests, bottle horns, and tails adorned with scales, flank the free head on the neck of the vessel. Coiled dragons decorate the front sides of the legs, and the bottom surface of the vessel is covered with scales in parallel rows. The whole area is bordered at the rim by a circle band which appears also on the adjoining rim of the lid. The owl has enormous eyes, and the horns are the large, C-shaped type of the ordinary t'ao-t'ieh. Patina bluish-green

You wine vessel in double-owl shape, 12th-11th century BCE

China

G214

This unique vessel displays a technical perfection which proves that the artisans of Early Zhou sometimes fully equaled their Yin predecessors in taste and skill. The usual division into four panels is suggested exclusively by the free animals' heads alternating, in the neck region, with the handles. The decor ground, of rounded and acute angled spirals, carries an eyed band with diagonals in the foot belt and antithetical tail-raising birds in flat relief on the belly. The crests of these extraordinary birds split up in three strands, the middle one a short, spearlike point; the other two forming long plumes, one falling staight down past the turned head and in front of the breast, the other going forward past (and parallel with) the beak, then rising in a bold sweep above the head and descending in two parts behind the first strand. Thus three parallel bands descend, the outer two adorned with rounded figures reminiscent of those of a peacock. For comment of these figures see Karlgren, number 29, 50.46.120. From the raised tail three bands descend in a fashion exactly similar to those of the crest. The animal's head on the handle has large tusks protruding at the sides. The hook on the bottom is reminiscent of the bird representation often seen on Kuei handles. patina pale green with patches of blue green. The meaning of the inscription is ' The King attacked Tsi-yu and went out and attacked Naohei. When he came [back], he made liao-sacrifice [burnt-offering] in Tsung Chou and presented to [me], Kuo Po X, cowries, ten double strings. [I] presume in response to extol the king's grace, and so I have made my accomplished dead father's precious Kuei vessel. May for a myriad years sons and grandsons forever treasure and use it.' For comment on the inscription, see Karlgren, number 36 (50.46.119). The birds on the Kuei have a clase parallel on a 'YU' in the Simitomo Collection (Senoku, Volume 2, Plate 67) and on a 'TSUN' in the Imperial Collection, but are, for the rest, unique. Mr. Loo stated that this vessel and th

Gui food vessel, 10th century BCE

China

G214

The body of the vessel displays a band of hanging blades with crisply delineated cicadas in a ground of squared spirals. In the neck belt, piars of consecutive beaked dragons are separated from pairs of antithetical beaked dragons by rudimentary flanges. Again the background is squared spirals. Patinagreen.

Ding food vessel, 12th century BCE

China

G214

An eccentric combination of four masks occurs on this bronze. A forceful t'ao-t'ieh head with recumbent C-shaped horns, the borders decorated with straight and T-shaped scores, appears on one side of the top. This monster bites on a human head with the broad nose typical of many early masks. On the other side a ram's head, with horns turned down, bites on a head resembling a t'ao-t'ieh but with a raised elephant's trunk instead of the usual ridge in the central line. This remarkable and unusual piece is a powerful example of early Chinese sculpture. Patina green.

Pole finial, 12th-11th century BCE

China

G214

green patina overall; rounded body with inward-flaring shoulder and outward-flaring flat mouth; three feet; six decorative brackets; two "handles"; elaborate decorations overall of geometric forms

Shengding food vessel, 6th century BCE

China

G214

five pointed leaf motif with six leaved flower (in plain and twisted wire) within it; a multiple leaved blossom at center; pin extends down from center

Hair Ornament, one of a pair, 11th century

China

G208

Tall-necked Hu, 2nd-1st century BCE

China

G204

thistle-shaped cup on slender, horizontally ribbed oviform stem pierced with 6 rows of short vertical slits above inverted cup-shaped foot

Ceremonial Stem Cup, 3000-2000 BCE

Longshan

G204

Bulbous high-shouldered form with tapering foot and narrow ribbed neck; buff body covered with glossy black glaze with faint blue iridescence.

Globular Jar, 12th-13th century

China

G204

Shortback armchair carved to simulate bamboo, one of a pair, huanghuali hardwood, Ming Dynasty, China

Pair of Low Back Armchairs, late 17th century

China

G216

cylindrical jar tapered sharply at top terminating in a rimmed 1-1/8 in. opening; exterior decorated by a large organic motif; central band of red, blue and white; two smaller bands of white and black with pairs of white dots encircle the base and top

Jar, 2nd century BCE

China

G204

small ivory bowl, lotus blossom inside well with circular foot on bottom

Tea Bowl, 11th century

China

G204

Tea Bowl, 12th-13th century

China

G204

shallow bowl fused to the rim of a deeper bowl with open foot; incised with a floral design in the center and a lotus leaf pattern around the outside

Brush Washer, 10th-11th century

China

G204

Ruyi Scepter, late 17th-early 18th century

China

G217

for Indonesian export market; white glaze; globular body surmounted by ringed neck tapering toward a flattened stylized phoenix head with applied details, below a trumpet-form mouth

Pheasant-Head Ewer, 10th-11th century

China

G204

Yokeback Armchair, c. 1550

China

G218

bowl, flared sides with finger groove below rim; interior design, prunus branch and crescent moon; dark brown glaze; knife cut foot with no glaze

Tea Bowl, 10th-11th century

China

G204

Hand Exerciser, 18th century

China

G217

rectangular top frame divided by central stretcher, two cylindrical rollers set to either side, straight waist, beaded apron, short stout legs with hoof feet

Footstool (gundeng), c. 1600

China

G216

thin rectangular table; unadorned; feet emphasized; curved leg support reaches from under table top

Lute table, c. 1600

China

G216

Incense Boxes and Burners, late 16th-early 17th century

China

G217

Footstool, 16th-17th century

China

G216

silver inlaid in a spiral and crossing pattern

Belt hook, 5th-3rd century BCE

China

G214

dark brown glaze splashed with pale blue on the vessel's shoulder; rare phosphatic glaze; unglazed foot

Jar, 8th century

China

G204

gilt bronze with crystal and glass inlay; three central glass circles; masks on either end, hook attached to mouth of one; underside silver inlay, ungilded, circular button at underside

Belt Hook, 4th-3rd century BCE

China

G214

showing 100 of 7388 results matching country:"China". (load 200 more)