Vase with waves and animal masks
With its long neck and round body, this flower vase takes the form of a ritual wine container (hu), first produced in China during the Shang (ca. 1600–1046 BCE) and Zhou (ca. 1046–256 BCE) dynasties. The mask-like imagery on its lower section has similar roots. Such details reveal the growing popularity of antiquarianism in China from the twelfth to the fourteenth century. The pattern of cresting waves at the top of the vase, on the other hand, is a motif faithful to contemporary paintings, ceramics, and other art forms.
This image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.
