Artwork preview

Vessel leg in the form of a bird

The Metropolitan Museum of Art

The sculpture titled "Vessel leg in the form of a bird" by an unknown artist is a ceramic or terracotta piece. The sculpture depicts a bird-like form with a long neck and head at the top. The bird's head is positioned at the top, with its beak pointing down and to the left. The body of the sculpture is elongated, resembling a leg with two lower limbs, and has a rough, textured surface with spots of discoloration. A protrusion on the right side of the body resembles a vessel or a cup. The sculpture stands on a flat base formed by the two lower limbs. The background of the image is a gradient gray, with the sculpture casting a shadow to the right.

Artwork details

Date:
5th–3rd century BCE
Medium:
Bronze
Culture:
China
Dimensions:
468 × 624 px
Museum record:
View original
Palette