Bird-Shaped Container (zun)
Late Shang dynasty (13th century–1046 B.C.)
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
15.9 × 13.3 × 5.7 cm (6 1/4 × 5 1/4 × 2 1/4 in.)
Classification
vessel
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
58159
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Animal-shaped vessels are the rarest of all Shang ritual bronzes. This creature is a fascinating blend of alert poise and solemn dignity. Whereas the scaled pattern on the neck and tail of this bird suggests feathers, other details are fantastic rather than anatomical. A dragon in profile and a coiled serpent embellish each wing; monster masks crown the head as well as the removable lid on the bird's back.
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...