Ritual Peg (phurbu)
Unknown
17th century
Medium
Bronze, crystal, jade, opal and turquoise, with gilding and semiprecious stones
Dimensions
62 × 12.4 × 12.4 cm (24 3/8 × 4 7/8 × 4 7/8 in.)
Classification
ceremonial object
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
148382
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...