COLLECTION NAME:
The AMICA Library
Record
AMICA ID:
MIA_.50.46.116
AMICA Library Year:
1999
Object Type:
Decorative Arts and Utilitarian Objects
Creator Name:
Unknown
Creator Nationality:
Asian; Far East Asian; Chinese
Creator Name-CRT:
artist unknown
Title:
Vessel in the shape of an Owl
View:
Front
Creation Date:
late 1300 B.C. - 1200 B.C.
Creation Start Date:
-1333
Creation End Date:
-1200
Materials and Techniques:
bronze
Classification Term:
vessel
Dimensions:
H.12-1/2 x W.8-1/4 in.
Component Measured:
overall
Measurement Unit:
in
AMICA Contributor:
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Owner Location:
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
ID Number:
50.46.116
Credit Line:
Bequest of Alfred F. Pillsbury
Context:
Vessels made in animal form constitute virtually the only bronze sculpture known from the Shang period. Besides this well-known version of an owl, rare examples of quadrupeds including buffalo, boar, rhinoceros, elephant and ram have also survived. The "Pillsbury Owl" is the oldest and most naturalistic of the few remaining owl-shaped tsun. Standing near the beginning of the Anyang period (1400-1027 b.c.), it represents a charming, though seldom practiced and short-lived tradition of casting ceremonial vessels in the shapes of animals.
Related Multimedia Description:
Antenna Audio: Permanent Collection Tour
Related Image Identifier Link:
MIA_.3989c.tif
