Tripod Container with Dragon-Head Handle (Zhadou)

Description

This dragon, winged chimera (CMA 1980.184), and grotesque monster's face (CMA 1930.731) exhibit uninhibited imagination in the representation of fantastic animals--all are full of energy, vigor, and magical power. Whether as purely sculptural forms or decorative elements of utilitarian vessels, they are characterized by a sensitive modeling of dynamic forms with the typical Chinese elegance of line.

Provenance

(Sotheby Parke Bernet, New York, NY, Sale of Fine Chinese Ceramics, Works of Art and Paintings, Wednesday, December 7, 1983, lot 63) (December 7, 1983); The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (1983–)

Tripod Container with Dragon-Head Handle (Zhadou)

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500s

Accession Number

1983.214

Medium

bronze

Dimensions

Overall: 22.8 cm (9 in.); Diameter of mouth with rim: 15.5 cm (6 1/8 in.)

Classification

Metalwork

Museum

The Cleveland Museum of Art

Cleveland, United States

Credit Line

Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund