Altar Vase with Animal-Head Loop Handles and Quatrefoil Rings
- Artist Culture
- Chinese
- Dynasty
- Ming dynasty, 1368–1644
- Period
- Hongzhi period, 1487–1505
- Date
- 1494
- Material
- Bronze
- Classification
- Containers, metalwork
- Current Location
- On View, Gallery 229
- Dimensions
- 22 x 14 in. (55.9 x 35.6 cm)
- Credit Line
- Gift of Robert E. Kresko
- Rights
- Contact Us
- Object Number
- 16:2005
NOTES
The high foot, ring handles, and elaborate animal heads would have made this vase appropriate only for altar tables of shrines and temples. The base of this imposing vessel is cast with the inscription: “Made on an auspicious day in the third month of the seventh year of the Hongzhi reign period.” The vase was probably from a set of altar implements that consisted of candle holders, an incense burner, and a pair of flower vases all with similar decoration and general design.