Art Institute of Chicago
Phoenix-Headed Ewer
China
- Date
- Tang dynasty (618–907), first half of 8th century
- Medium
- Earthenware with molded decoration and three-color (sancai) lead glazes
- Culture
- China
- Department
- Arts of Asia
- Institution
- Art Institute of Chicago
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.
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