Phoenix-Headed Ewer

Tang dynasty (618–907), first half of 8th century

China

The pearl-shaped body, cartouche-like medallions, and leafy details on the handle of this vessel were all inspired by silverware from the ancient Persian (Iranian) city-state of Sogdiana. Sogdiana was an important stop along the Silk Road, a network of trade routes that connected China to Europe and Africa through Central Asia. Crowned by the head of a phoenix, this ewer’s flattened form was molded in two halves and then joined along vertical seams. When it was fired, lead glazes flowed freely over the relief decoration of a perched or dancing phoenix framed by floral scrolls. The opposite side depicts an archer mounted on a horse.

Status: On View, Gallery 131
Department: Arts of Asia

Title: Phoenix-Headed Ewer
Place: China (Artist's nationality:)
Date Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.: 701 CE–750 CE
Medium: Earthenware with molded decoration and three-color (sancai) lead glazes
Dimensions: 32.2 × 13 cm (12 3/4 × 5 1/8 in.)
Credit Line: Gift of Pauline Palmer Wood
Reference Number: 1970.1076
IIIF Manifest The International Image Interoperability Framework (IIIF) represents a set of open standards that enables rich access to digital media from libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural institutions around the world. Learn more.: https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/35384/manifest.json

Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.

Suggested Terms

See all hours

On View

Date:

Artist:

About this artwork

Status

Department

Title

Place

Date Dates are not always precisely known, but the Art Institute strives to present this information as consistently and legibly as possible. Dates may be represented as a range that spans decades, centuries, dynasties, or periods and may include qualifiers such as c. (circa) or BCE.

Medium

Dimensions

Credit Line

Reference Number

IIIF Manifest The International Image Interoperability Framework (IIIF) represents a set of open standards that enables rich access to digital media from libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural institutions around the world. Learn more.

Extended information about this artwork

Share

Explore Further

Sign up for our enewsletter to receive updates.

Gallery actions

Image actions

Share

IIIF Manifest The International Image Interoperability Framework (IIIF) represents a set of open standards that enables rich access to digital media from libraries, archives, museums, and other cultural institutions around the world.

Learn more.