北齊 青銅淨瓶|Bottle
Unknown Artist
Medium
Bronze
Dimensions
H. 6 1/8 (15.6 cm); Diam. of rim (1 7/16 in. (3.7 cm); Diam. of foot (1 15/16 in. (4.9 cm)
Classification
Metalwork
Culture & Period
China · Northern Qi dynasty (550–577)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of James Freeman, 2002
Accession Number
2002.290
Art Historical Context
This exquisite bronze net bottle (淨瓶), hailing from China's Northern Qi dynasty (550577), stands as a delicate testament to the era's refined metalworking traditions. Measuring just 6 1/8 inches (15.6 cm) tall a slender rim and foot, its compact form suggests it was crafted for ritual use, likely in Buddhist ceremonies to hold pure water for offerings or purification rites. The Northern Qi period, one of the short-lived Northern dynasties amid China's fragmented post-Han turmoil, saw a surge in Buddhist devotion, influencing art across media. Bronze casting techniques during this time were hi...