Food vessel (li ding) with masks (taotie) and cicadas

Object Details

• Provenance

  At least 1968-1987

  Arthur M. Sackler (1913-1987), method of acquisition unknown [1]

  From 1987

  Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, gift of Arthur M. Sackler [2]

  Notes:

  [1] See Robert Poor, “Bronze Ritual Vessels of Ancient China” [slide lecture] (International Arts Press, New York City), 1968, slide number 1-2-13.

  Dr. Arthur M. Sackler was a physician, medical publisher, pharmaceutical marketer, and collector of Asian art.

  [2] Pursuant to the agreement between Arthur M. Sackler and the Smithsonian Institution, dated July 28, 1982, legal title of the donated objects was transferred to the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery on September 11, 1987.

  Research updated July 7, 2023

• Collection

  Arthur M. Sackler Collection

• Exhibition History

  The Sensuous and the Sacred: Chola Bronzes from South India (November 10, 2002 to March 9, 2003)

  Untitled Exhibition: Rijksmuseum (November 7, 2002 to May 13, 2003)

  Gallery Installation, Elvehjem Museum of Art, Madison, Wisconsin (September 1, 1991 to January 5, 1992)

  Chinese Bronzes from the Sackler Collection (November 19 to December 30, 1989)

  In Praise of Ancestors: Ritual Objects from China (September 28, 1987 to January 1, 1989)

• Previous custodian or owner

  Dr. Arthur M. Sackler (1913-1987)

• Origin

  China

• Credit Line

  Gift of Arthur M. Sackler

• Type

  Vessel

• Restrictions and Rights

  Usage Conditions Apply

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Keep Exploring

• Related Resources

  collections.si.edu

• Date

  BCE 1000s

• Name

  Sackler, Arthur M.

• Place

  China

• Topic

  Bronze, Art, Sculpture, Chinese Art, Anyang period, Late Shang dynasty (ca. 1300 - 1050 BCE), Shang dynasty (ca. 1600 - ca. 1050 BCE), Cicada, Metal-work

• Culture

  Chinese

• Object Type

  Vessels (containers)