Artwork Page for Bird-Headed Ewer

Details / Information for Bird-Headed Ewer

Bird-Headed Ewer

600s–700s

China, probably Henan province, Tang dynasty

(618-907)
Medium
green-glazed stoneware with modeled, molded, and applied decoration
Measurements
Overall: 42.1 cm (16 9/16 in.)
Credit Line
John L. Severance Fund 1989.2
Public Domain
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Location
239 Chinese Ceramics and Metalwork
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Description

With a lobed body, a bird-shaped head, and a birdfeather loop handle, this ewer is derived from West and Central Asian metalwork: Tang potters adopted foreign shapes (bird-headed ewer and amphora) and foreign motifs (floral medallions, vines, palmette, and roundel designs) with great freedom. The artistic expressions bespoke the confidence and spirit of the period. This work is a representation of northern celadon, although it is commonly believed that the northern kilns specialized in white wares and the southern kilns in green wares (notably, Yue celadon). It continues the tradition of celadon production in the north during the late Northern Dynasties period in the 500s.
A green-glazed stoneware ewer takes an ovoid form topped by a bird-headed spout with an open beak. A thick, textured handle curves from the head to the shoulder, which is ringed by upturned petals. The body is decorated with molded circular medallions containing floral and avian motifs. A muted olive-green glaze covers the vessel, pooling in crevices and ending at a flared foot adorned with petal-like forms.

Bird-Headed Ewer

600s–700s

China, probably Henan province, Tang dynasty (618-907)

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