Tripod vessel (li ting)
![Detail of a pattern](https://asia.si.edu/wp-content/themes/custom/nmaa/nmaa-frontend/public/images/hero-bkgrnd-desktop.jpg)
Terms of Use
Usage Conditions ApplyAt A Glance
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Period
11th-8th century BCE -
Geography
China -
Material
Unglazed earthenware -
Dimension
H x W x D: 13 x 15.2 x 15.2 cm (5 1/8 x 6 x 6 in) -
Accession Number
F1984.13 -
EDAN ID
edanmdm:fsg_F1984.13
Object Details
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Description
Gray pottery vessel in shape of li-ting. Three conical mammiform vessels joined to make the three-footed body. Flat everted rim added and finished with aid of turn-table or slow wheel.Clay: earthenware; dark gray on surface; suggestions of carbon deposits and whitish incrustations on exterior of body; earth accretions on interior.Decoration: body consolidated with aid of comb-like tool which has left irregular hatching and cross-hatching marks. -
Provenance
To ?J.E. Melchior collection, Shanghai. [1]To 1982Helen Dalling Ling (d. 1982), Shanghai and Singapore. [2]From 1982 to 1984Dr. Tien Gi Ling, Singapore, by bequest from his wife, Helen Dalling Ling in May 1982. [3]From 1984Freer Gallery of Art, purchased from Dr. Tien Gi Ling, Singapore. [4]Notes:[1] According to Dr. Tien Gi Ling, Mrs. Helen D. Ling acquired the object from the J.E. Melchior Collection in Shanghai. Also see Curatorial Remark 5 in the object record.[2] Helen Dalling Ling operated "The Green Dragon" antiques shop in Shanghai from 1938 to 1950 and a shop under her own name in Singapore from 1951 until her death in 1982.[3] Helen Dalling Ling left a bequest to her husband, Dr. Tien Gi Ling on May 1982.[4] Freer Gallery of Art Purchase List after 1920 file, Collections Management Office. -
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art Collection -
Previous custodian or owner
Jacob E. Melchior (1879-1945)Helen D. Ling (1901-1982)Mr. Tien Gi Ling -
Origin
China -
Credit Line
Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment -
Type
Vessel -
Restrictions and Rights
Usage Conditions Apply
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