http://www.artsconnected.org/resource/109981/phoenix-weight-one-of-a-pair-gallery-label-current ArtsConnectEd.org Art Collector Set: Phoenix weight, one of a pair: Gallery Label - Current http://www.artsconnected.org/images/favicon.png http://www.artsconnected.org/resource/109981/phoenix-weight-one-of-a-pair-gallery-label-current 16 16 http://www.artsconnected.org/resource/109981/phoenix-weight-one-of-a-pair-gallery-label-current Sat, 01 Jun 2002 00:00:00 -0400 <table cellspacing="0"> <tr> <td class="detail_label">Title</td> <td><h3>Phoenix weight, one of a pair: Gallery Label - Current</h3></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="detail_label">Author</td> <td><h3>Minneapolis Institute of Arts</h3></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="detail_label">Date</td> <td><h3>2002-06-04</h3></td> </tr> <tr> <td class="detail_label" style="padding-right:7px;">Institution</td> <td>Minneapolis Institute of Arts</td> </tr> </table><br/>Each of these bronze weights is cast in the form of a roosting phoenix with its head turned and resting on its back. Both birds are inscribed with fine lineation describing the plumage and other minute features, and they are completely gilded. The underside of each is filled with a lead amalgam for added weight.<br /> <p>Pairs of objects such as these, but most often sets of four, have been retrieved from aristocratic Han tombs suggesting that they were meant to be used as weights possibly for the floor mats commonly used for seating at that time or to hold burial shrouds in place. The decorative use of stone or metal inlay as well as the gilding seen here can be found on contemporary bronze vessels and personal ornaments conveying a sense of the luxury and wealth associated with Han society.</p> http://www.artsconnected.org/resource/109981/phoenix-weight-one-of-a-pair-gallery-label-current Each of these bronze weights is cast in the form of a roosting phoenix with its head turned and resting on its back. Both birds are inscribed with fine lineation describing the plumage and other minute features, and they are completely gilded. The underside of each is filled with a lead amalgam for added weight. Pairs of objects such as these, but most often sets of four, have been retrieved from aristocratic Han tombs suggesting that they were meant to be used as weights possibly for the floor mats commonly used for seating at that time or to hold burial shrouds in place. The decorative use of stone or metal inlay as well as the gilding seen here can be found on contemporary bronze vessels and personal ornaments conveying a sense of the luxury and wealth associated with Han society. " type="image/jpeg" />Each of these bronze weights is cast in the form of a roosting phoenix with its head turned and resting on its back. Both birds are inscribed with fine lineation describing the plumage and other minute features, and they are completely gilded. The underside of each is filled with a lead amalgam for added weight. Pairs of objects such as these, but most often sets of four, have been retrieved from aristocratic Han tombs suggesting that they were meant to be used as weights possibly for the floor mats commonly used for seating at that time or to hold burial shrouds in place. The decorative use of stone or metal inlay as well as the gilding seen here can be found on contemporary bronze vessels and personal ornaments conveying a sense of the luxury and wealth associated with Han society. " type="image/jpeg" />Copyright Minneapolis Institute of ArtsMinneapolis Institute of Arts