Wine container (lei)

Historical period(s)
Shang dynasty, ca. 13th century BCE
Medium
Unglazed clay
Dimensions
H x W x D: 21.5 x 21.5 x 21.5 cm (8 7/16 x 8 7/16 x 8 7/16 in)
Geography
China, Henan province, Anyang
Credit Line
Gift of James G. and Ann S. Ling in memory of the collector and connoisseur Helen Dalling Ling
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art
Accession Number
F1985.5a-c
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Ceramic, Vessel
Type

Wine container (lei)

Keywords
China, Shang dynasty (ca. 1600 - ca. 1050 BCE), wine, WWII-era provenance
Provenance

To 1949
Helen D. Ling (died 1982), Shanghai, to 1949 [1]

From 1949 to 1984
James G. Ling, Potomac, MD, given by Helen D. Ling in 1949 [2]

From 1984
Freer Gallery of Art, given by James G. and Ann S. Ling in 1984 [3]

Notes:

[1] Helen Dalling Ling was a collector who operated an antiques shop in Shanghai. According to James G. Ling, this object was collected in China during the war (see Curatorial Note 9 in the object record).

[2] See note 1.

[3] Freer Gallery of Art Purchase List after 1920 file, Collections Management Office.

Previous Owner(s) and Custodian(s)

James G. Ling
Dr. and Mrs. James G. and Ann S. Ling
Helen D. Ling died 1982

Published References
  • Sarah Booth. The Freer's Rare Catch: Gallery Acquires 30 Flawless Ancient Chinese Ceramics. Washington, May 23, 1984. p. B2.
Collection Area(s)
Chinese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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