Artwork preview

Vase with waves and animal masks

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The vase is made of bronze or a copper alloy. The vase is vase-shaped with a narrow cylindrical top, a wider middle section that bulges out, and a narrower bottom section. The base of the vase is short and wide. The vase has two handles protruding on either side near the top, shaped like animal masks with open mouths. The surface of the vase features intricate etchings and engravings, including waves and possibly stylized animal or mythological creatures, and curvilinear swirling patterns. The background of the image fades from dark gray at the top to light gray at the bottom.

Artwork details

Date:
late 13th–14th century
Medium:
Copper alloy
Culture:
China
Dimensions:
468 × 624 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette