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Untitled, bronze replica of jade chime
ca. Song or Ming Dynasty, 960 - 1644ca. 10th-17th century
5 7/8 in. x 7 in. (14.92 cm x 17.78 cm)
, Chinese
Object Type:
Decorative Arts, Utilitarian Objects
Creation Place:
Asia, China
Medium and Support:
bronze
Credit Line:
Carleton College Art Collection, gift of Percy T. Watson, class of 1903
Accession Number:
1997.586
Keywords
Click a term to view the records with the same keyword
This object has the following keywords:
bronze (metal)*,
bronzes (objects)*,
Chinese*,
decorative arts*,
Ming*,
sculpture (visual work)*,
Song (Chinese style)*,
three-dimensional*
- bronze (metal) - Refers to a broad range of alloys of copper, specifically any non-ferrous alloy of copper, tin, and zinc or other trace metals. Bronze was made before 3,000 BCE -- possibly as early as 10,000 BCE, although its common use in tools and decorative items is dated only in later artifacts. The proportions of copper and tin vary widely, from 70 to 95 percent copper in surviving ancient artifacts. Because of the copper base, bronze may be very malleable and easy to work. By the Middle Ages in Europe, it was recognized that using the metals in certain proportions could yield specific properties. Some modern bronzes contain no tin at all, substituting other metals such as aluminum, manganese, and even zinc. Historically, the term was used interchangeably with "latten." U.S. standard bronze is composed of 90% copper, 7% tin and 3% zinc. Ancient bronze alloys sometimes contained up to 14% tin.
- bronzes (objects) - Collectively, the class of sculptures, containers, or other objects executed in bronze, especially artifacts or works considered to be art. When possible, use the material term "bronze (metal)" plus a more specific object name, such as "bronze" + "figurines" or "bronze" + "bowl."
- Chinese - Describes works created by the people of the same name living in China.
- decorative arts - Refers to works that are primarily utilitarian in form or function, but that have aesthetic value provided by the design, decoration, or embellishment. They may include ceramics, furniture, and other household or utilitarian objects. They are distinct from "fine arts," which were traditionally considered to require more extensive training and were restricted to the media of painting, sculpture, drawing, and architecture.
- Ming - Refers to the period and styles associated with the Chinese dynasty dating from 1368 to 1644. It is characterized by being a period of stability, prosperity, and by a renewal of Chinese culture and national consciousness. Styles in this period developed largely from a system of court patronage of the arts that generally encouraged a high level of workmanship, but conservatism in design and technique. The major art produced during this period includes cloisonné, enamelware, bronzework, lacquerwork, furniture, and small ornamental carvings of jade, ivory, wood, and porcelain. In ceramics, earlier styles, including, blue-and-white wares, were refined in technique and decoration. In architecture, the earlier experiments of the Sung period were abandoned, in favor of more traditional designs, including the construction of the Forbidden City in Peking. In painting, schools of professional academics/artists and "literati" encouraged independent, personal styles.
- sculpture (visual work) - Works of art in which images and forms are produced in relief, in intaglio, or in the round. It refers especially to those objects that retain the quality of being tangible objects or groups of objects. It refers particularly to art works created by carving or engraving a hard material, by molding or casting a malleable material, or by assembling parts to create a three-dimensional object. It is typically used to refer to large or medium-sized objects made of stone, wood, bronze, or another metal. Small objects are typically referred to as "carvings." As works become more diffused in space or time, or less tangible, use specific terms, such as "mail art" or "environmental art."
- Song (Chinese style) - Refers to a Chinese dynastic style and period dating to 960 to 1279 CE. It was a time of social, economic, and artistic invention and transition; in particular, an unsurpassed refinement was achieved in many of the arts. As society shifted away from being one of aristocrats towards one of meritorious commoners, the ruling class sought to shore up their power. For instance, emperors promoted the painting of themes associated with dynastic legitimacy and stability. The Song emperors were among China's most culturally enlightened rulers and many were even accomplished artists in their own right. Since the Song emperors were less powerful than their Han and Tang predecessors and because they maintained a tenuous peace with their hostile neighbors, the art of this period is introspective. The Song period is best known for landscape painting, although ceramics, sculpture, and architecture also flourished. Clay and wood often replaced stone for sculpture, allowing for softer, more lifelike figures. Song architecture is notably elongated and thin with curved roofs and a distinctive Song spire. Pagodas were first constructed of masonry during this period. There are two divisions within this style and period: Northern Sung, dating to 960 to 1127, and Southern Sung, dating to 1127 to 1279.
- three-dimensional - Having, or appearing to have, the three dimensions of length, width, and height.
Additional Images
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Dimensions
- overall Dimensions: 5 7/8 x 7 in. (149 x 178 mm)