Search Results

Title

Rectangular Bronze Form No. 2

Artist

Robert Adams

Physical Description

Thin, double-side, H-shaped bronze sculpture. Each side is made up of a collection of rough rectangle shapes overlapping and butting up against one another. Two rectangle-shaped openings penetrate the piece.

Artist Life Dates

1917-1984

Century

20th century

Object Creation Date

circa 1953

Accession Number

1954/2.40

Medium and Support

bronze with wood base

Secondary Keywords

visual arts

artistic concepts

associated concepts

concepts in the arts

copper alloy

copper and copper alloy

descriptors

european

european styles and periods

forms of expression

genres

geometric concepts

geometric figures

geometric shapes

inorganic material

materials

materials by composition

mathematical concepts

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

metalworking and metalworking processes and techniques

modern and contemporary art

modern european fine arts styles and movements

modern european styles and movements

non-representational art

nonferrous metal

objects we use

people and culture

plane figures

polygons

processes and techniques

processes and techniques by material

processes and techniques by specific type

quadrilaterals

scientific concepts

styles and periods

styles and periods by region

visual and tactile

visual works

visual works by medium or technique

Title

Leopard Box Lid

Artist

Artist Unknown, African, Benin

Century

19th century

Object Creation Date

circa 1875

Accession Number

1985/2.12

Medium and Support

wood and copper

Secondary Keywords

animals and creatures

closures

components

components and systems

components by specific context

container components

containers

containers by form

copper and copper alloy

covers (closures)

descriptors

inorganic material

mammals

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

nonferrous metal

object genres

object genres by material

objects we use

Title

Bracelet

Artist

Artist Unknown, African, Burkina Faso, Lobi

Century

20th century

Object Creation Date

circa 1950

Accession Number

1988/1.143

Medium and Support

bronze

Secondary Keywords

bracelets (jewelry)

copper alloy

copper and copper alloy

costume

costume accessories

costume accessories worn

descriptors

inorganic material

jewelry by location

jewelry worn on arms and hands

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

nonferrous metal

objects we use

Title

Anklet with figures on opposing ends

Artist

Artist Unknown, African, Burkina Faso, Lobi

Century

20th century

Object Creation Date

circa 1950

Accession Number

1985/2.53

Medium and Support

cast bronze, lost wax method

Secondary Keywords

african

african styles by region

copper alloy

copper and copper alloy

costume

costume accessories

costume accessories worn

descriptors

gur-speaking peoples styles

inorganic material

jewelry

jewelry by location

jewelry worn on legs and feet

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

nonferrous metal

object genres

object genres by technique

objects

objects we use

people and culture

people and occupations

styles and periods

styles and periods by region

visual works

visual works by subject type

west african styles

western sudanese styles

Title

Twisted metal bracelet with chameleon

Artist

Artist Unknown, African, Burkina Faso, Lobi

Century

20th century

Object Creation Date

circa 1950

Accession Number

1985/2.54

Medium and Support

cast bronze (cire perdue)

Secondary Keywords

african

african styles by region

animals

animals and creatures

copper alloy

copper and copper alloy

costume

costume accessories

costume accessories worn

descriptors

gur-speaking peoples styles

inorganic material

jewelry

jewelry by location

jewelry worn on arms and hands

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

nonferrous metal

object genres

object genres by technique

objects we use

people and culture

styles and periods

styles and periods by region

the natural world

west african styles

western sudanese styles

Title

Pipe

Artist

Artist Unknown, African, Cameroon

Century

20th century

Object Creation Date

1900-1987

Accession Number

1987/1.347

Medium and Support

bronze, wood and cloth

Secondary Keywords

smoking and tobacco use

copper alloy

copper and copper alloy

descriptors

equipment

equipment by context

equipment for personal use

inorganic material

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

nonferrous metal

objects we use

people and culture

physical activities

physical activities by general context

tools and equipment

Title

Figure

Artist

Artist Unknown, African, Congo (Zaire), Bekalebwe

Century

19th century

Object Creation Date

circa 1890

Accession Number

2005/1.227

Medium and Support

wood, copper, metal tacks, leather, snakeskin, raffia, vegetable fiber cloth

Secondary Keywords

copper and copper alloy

descriptors

inorganic material

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

nonferrous metal

object genres

object genres by material

objects we use

people and culture

physical activities

physical activities by general context

visual works

visual works by subject type

Title

Hairpin

Artist

Artist Unknown, African, Congo (Zaire), Mangbetu

Century

20th century

Object Creation Date

1900-1985

Accession Number

1985/2.40

Medium and Support

bronze

Secondary Keywords

accessories worn on the head

african

african styles by region

central and equatorial african styles

copper alloy

copper and copper alloy

costume

costume accessories

costume accessories worn

descriptors

hair accessories

inorganic material

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

nonferrous metal

northeast democratic republic of congo styles

northern democratic republic of congo styles

objects we use

people and culture

styles and periods

styles and periods by region

western democratic republic of congo styles

zande-mangbetu region

Title

Nut ring

Artist

Artist Unknown, African, Ghana, Akan

Century

Possibly 20th century

Object Creation Date

circa 1900

Accession Number

1986/2.147

Medium and Support

cast bronze, lost wax method

Secondary Keywords

african

copper alloy

copper and copper alloy

descriptors

fruit

inorganic material

materials

materials by composition

materials by origin

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

nonferrous metal

people and culture

plant material

styles and periods

styles and periods by region

Title

Pot with Lid

Artist

Artist Unknown, African, Ghana, Ashanti

Century

19th century

Object Creation Date

19th century

Accession Number

1998/1.123B

Medium and Support

bronze

Secondary Keywords

containers

containers by form

copper alloy

copper and copper alloy

descriptors

inorganic material

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

nonferrous metal

objects we use

vessels

visual works

visual works by medium or technique

Title

Pot with Lid

Artist

Artist Unknown, African, Ghana, Ashanti

Century

19th century

Object Creation Date

19th century

Accession Number

1998/1.123A

Medium and Support

bronze

Secondary Keywords

closures

components

components and systems

components by specific context

container components

containers

containers by form

copper alloy

copper and copper alloy

covers (closures)

descriptors

inorganic material

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

nonferrous metal

objects we use

vessels

Title

Bracelet with rope and button decorations

Artist

African, Ivory Coast?

Century

20th century

Object Creation Date

circa 1925

Accession Number

1986/2.146

Medium and Support

bronze

Secondary Keywords

copper alloy

copper and copper alloy

cord (fiber product)

costume

costume accessories

costume accessories worn

descriptors

fiber and fiber products

fiber products

inorganic material

jewelry

jewelry by location

jewelry worn on arms and hands

materials

materials by composition

materials by form

materials by physical form

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

nonferrous metal

objects

objects of adornment

objects we use

Title

Commemorative Head of an Oba of the Benin kingdom

Artist

Artist Unknown, African, Nigeria, Benin

Physical Description

Cast brass head of a human. An opening at the top would have supported a carved elephant tusk. The heads wears elaborate "winged" headgear.

Accession Number

2005/1.260

Medium and Support

bronze

Secondary Keywords

aristocracy

biological components

buildings and the land

components

components and systems

components by specific context

copper alloy

copper and copper alloy

descriptors

figures

figures (representations)

groups of people

inorganic material

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

nobility

nonferrous metal

objects we use

people

people (agents)

people and culture

people and occupations

political figures

religious structures

single built works

single built works by function

single built works by specific type

social classes

social classes by specific type

social groups

the human body

upper body

upper class

visual works

visual works by subject type

Title

Little Torso No. 5 (Torse)

Artist

Hans Arp

Physical Description

A small polished bronze sculpture of a biomorphic form rising gracefully from a small base. Where it contacts the base, the form stands on two leg-like structures. The form rises from there, narrows, then opens up into a wider, more oblong shape at the top.

Artist Life Dates

1886-1966

Century

20th century

Object Creation Date

1930; cast 1957

Accession Number

1983/1.399

Medium and Support

polished bronze

Secondary Keywords

visual arts

artistic concepts

associated concepts

biological components

biological concepts

components

components and systems

components by specific context

concepts in the arts

copper alloy

copper and copper alloy

descriptors

forms of expression

genres

inorganic material

life

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

modern and contemporary art

movement

nonferrous metal

objects we use

people and culture

scientific concepts

the human body

visual works

visual works by medium or technique

Title

Pre-Adamic Fruit (Fruit préadamite)

Artist

Hans Arp

Physical Description

A small, biomorphically abstract sculpture of bronze grows from a wooden base. Bulbous at the bottom, the shape stretches and narrows in the middle and then expands into a larger shape from which two rounded points rise.

Artist Life Dates

1886-1966

Century

20th century

Object Creation Date

1938

Accession Number

1948/2.26

Medium and Support

bronze with wood base

Secondary Keywords

visual arts

artistic concepts

associated concepts

biological concepts

concepts in the arts

copper alloy

copper and copper alloy

descriptors

forms of expression

genres

inorganic material

life

materials

materials by composition

materials by origin

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

modern and contemporary art

movement

nonferrous metal

objects we use

people and culture

plant material

plants

scientific concepts

the natural world

visual works

visual works by medium or technique

Title

Opaque blue inkwell, rounded shaped copper lid

Artist

Artist Unknown

Physical Description

This is a blue glass inkwell with a copper lid. The body has a flattened globe shape and the lid is dark brown in color.

Object Creation Date

1875-1975

Accession Number

2010/1.231

Medium and Support

glass, metal

Secondary Keywords

attributes and properties

attributes and properties by specific type

copper and copper alloy

descriptors

form attributes

glass and glassmaking mixtures

inorganic material

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

nonferrous metal

shape

Title

Beard man with hat copper ink well with ink well insert

Artist

Artist Unknown

Physical Description

A copper inkwell in the shape of a man's head with a long, pointed beard. His hat acts as the stopper.

Object Creation Date

1875-1975

Accession Number

2010/1.244

Medium and Support

glass, metal

Secondary Keywords

containers

containers by function or context

containers for writing equipment

copper and copper alloy

descriptors

inorganic material

materials

materials by composition

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

nonferrous metal

objects we use

Title

Iridescent Glass Inkwell with purple-gray iridescent, gold ram head stopper

Artist

Artist Unknown

Physical Description

An iridescent glass inkwell with a gold lid. The base is purplish-gray while the lid has a ram's head engraved on it.

Object Creation Date

1875-1975

Accession Number

2010/1.274

Medium and Support

glass, metal

Secondary Keywords

containers

containers by function or context

containers for writing equipment

descriptors

design elements

figure- and animal-derived motifs

glass and glassmaking mixtures

gold and gold alloy

inorganic material

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

motifs

nonferrous metal

objects we use

Title

Green Iridescent Inkwell with gold lid

Artist

Artist Unknown

Physical Description

A square, iridescent inkwell. The base is grenn and the lid is gold.

Object Creation Date

1875-1975

Accession Number

2010/1.281

Medium and Support

glass, metal

Secondary Keywords

buildings and the land

descriptors

glass and glassmaking mixtures

gold and gold alloy

inorganic material

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

nonferrous metal

open spaces

open spaces and site elements

open spaces by location or context

Title

Brown and White Porcelain Inkwell, Nippon inkwell stand, hand painted gold, art nouveau

Artist

Artist Unknown

Physical Description

A porcelain inkwell with a rectangular body and a penstand on the one side; and it is decorated with drawings and patterns of brown leaves. There is no lid cover for the inkwell.

Object Creation Date

1875-1975

Accession Number

2010/1.304

Medium and Support

porcelain, gold

Secondary Keywords

containers

containers by function or context

containers for writing equipment

descriptors

european

european styles and periods

gold and gold alloy

inorganic material

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

modern british ceramics styles

modern british decorative arts styles and movements

modern british styles and movements

modern european regional styles and movements

modern european styles and movements

nonferrous metal

objects we use

people and culture

styles and periods

styles and periods by region

Title

Thai Walking Buddha

Artist

Artist Unknown

Physical Description

A bronze figure of a walking man. He is wearing a spiked headdress and is holding up his left hand.

Accession Number

2012/1.272

Medium and Support

bronze

Secondary Keywords

copper alloy

copper and copper alloy

descriptors

inorganic material

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

nonferrous metal

objects we use

visual works

visual works by subject type

Title

Indian Bronze Ganesha

Artist

Artist Unknown

Physical Description

A bronze statue of an Hindu god. The figure has an elephant head attached to a human body.

Accession Number

2012/1.270

Medium and Support

bronze

Secondary Keywords

animals and creatures

art genres

artistic concepts

associated concepts

concepts in the arts

copper alloy

copper and copper alloy

descriptors

inorganic material

mammals

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

nonferrous metal

objects we use

people and culture

visual works

visual works by subject type

Title

Offspring II

Artist

Bruce Beasley

Physical Description

A bronze, multi-colored work that has two triangles that form an entrance way on one side.

Artist Life Dates

(Los Angeles, CA, 1939 - )

Accession Number

2012/1.274

Medium and Support

bronze

Secondary Keywords

copper alloy

copper and copper alloy

descriptors

inorganic material

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

nonferrous metal

people

people (agents)

people and culture

people by family relationship

Title

Requiem

Artist

Erwin Binder

Physical Description

bronze abstract sculpture

Artist Life Dates

1934-1993

Century

20th century

Object Creation Date

1988

Accession Number

2004/2.107

Medium and Support

bronze on concrete

Secondary Keywords

architecture

copper alloy

copper and copper alloy

descriptors

european

european styles and periods

figures

inorganic material

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

modern and contemporary art

modern european fine arts styles and movements

modern european styles and movements

nonferrous metal

objects we use

people and culture

people and occupations

sculpture

sculpture by location or context

styles and periods

styles and periods by region

visual works

visual works by medium or technique

Title

Temple bell with handle of a pair of addorsed lions and a dragon

Artist

Artist Unknown, Burma

Physical Description

Bronze temple bell with traces of polychrome, text, and lowermost handle in shape of a pair of addorsed lions. A decorated post threads through the space created by the back-to-back lions, on which an additional handle decorated with addorsed dragons is thread. The open space created between the dragons' connecting tails is where part of a frame would pass through, suspending the bell above the ground. This type of bell does not have a metal clapper, and is rung by striking with a wooden stick.

Century

Early 20th century

Object Creation Date

1907

Accession Number

2002/2.237A-C

Medium and Support

bronze with traces of polychrome

Secondary Keywords

hollow-bodied

animals and creatures

bells and sets of bells

buildings and the land

chordophones

copper alloy

copper and copper alloy

descriptors

directly struck idiophones

inorganic material

legendary creatures

mammals

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

nonferrous metal

objects we use

percussion idiophones

religious buildings

religious structures

single built works

single built works by function

single built works by specific type

sound devices

sound devices by acoustical characteristics

struck idiophones

Title

Calligraphy

Artist

Chang Ku-nien

Physical Description

The inscription is a famous discussion on the vulgarity and the elegance in painting by Qing Dynasty painter Zou Yigui (or Zou Xiaoshan).

Artist Life Dates

1906 - 1987

Century

20th century

Object Creation Date

1970

Accession Number

2006/1.128

Medium and Support

hanging scroll, ink on gold-flecked paper

Secondary Keywords

coating (material)

coating by form

descriptors

gold and gold alloy

image-making processes and techniques

inorganic material

materials

materials by composition

materials by function

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

nonferrous metal

objects we use

paintings

paintings by form

processes and techniques

processes and techniques by specific type

scroll paintings

visual works

visual works by medium or technique

writing (processes)

Title

Pope Clement IX (obverse), and the Ponte Sant' Angelo (reverse)

Artist

Nicolas-François Chéron

Physical Description

The front (obverse) of the medal presents a profile portrait of a bearded man wearing a cassock, cap, and stole. The reverse depicts a bridge spanning a river. A winged figure flies above the bridge blowing a trumpet, while a nude male figure reclines below the bridge in the foreground and a wolf nurses at his feet. Inscriptions run around both the border edge of both sides of the medal.

Artist Life Dates

died 1746

Century

17th-18th century

Object Creation Date

1669

Accession Number

1984/1.284

Medium and Support

cast bronze

Secondary Keywords

image form

biological components

buildings and the land

christian clergy

clergy

components

components and systems

components by specific context

copper alloy

copper and copper alloy

descriptors

forming

inorganic material

materials

materials by composition

medals

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

nonferrous metal

objects we use

people

people (agents)

people and culture

people by occupation

people in religion

people in religion and related occupations

people in the humanities

prelates

processes and techniques

processes and techniques by specific type

single built works

single built works by function

single built works by specific type

the human body

transportation structures

transportation structures by form

upper body

views

views by vantage point or orientation

visual works

visual works by form

visual works by subject type

Title

Mirror with animal motifs and eight-character inscription

Artist

Artist Unknown, China

Physical Description

bronze mirrorr with two columns of auspicious inscriptions for career promotion and healthy offsprings in eight characters separated by the central knob, which is, in turn, surrounded by stylized mystical animal motif on both side.

Century

2nd century BCE-2nd century CE

Accession Number

1974/1.168

Medium and Support

cast bronze with malachite and silver patina

Secondary Keywords

animals and creatures

copper alloy

copper and copper alloy

descriptors

furnishings

furnishings by form or function

inorganic material

mammals

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

nonferrous metal

objects we use

Title

Mirror, "Animal cycle type" (Ssu-ling shih-er hsiao: 4 spirits and 12 zodiacs)

Artist

Artist Unknown, China

Physical Description

Bronze mirror with one side polished flat, and the other side decorated with mystical animals for cardinal orientation and twelve zodiac animals.

Century

7th century

Object Creation Date

7th century

Accession Number

1974/1.180

Medium and Support

cast bronze with malachite and azurite patina

Secondary Keywords

animals and creatures

copper alloy

copper and copper alloy

descriptors

design elements

furnishings

furnishings by form or function

inorganic material

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

motifs

nonferrous metal

objects we use

Title

Mirror, Lion-and-Grape type

Artist

Artist Unknown, China

Physical Description

bronze mirror with highly polished surface, back side deocrated with lions and grape motif and an animal shaped knob in the center.

Century

7th-10th century

Object Creation Date

618-907

Accession Number

1958/2.74

Medium and Support

cast bronze with black patina

Secondary Keywords

animals and creatures

copper alloy

copper and copper alloy

descriptors

food

fruit

furnishings

furnishings by form or function

grape (fruit)

inorganic material

mammals

materials

materials by composition

materials by function

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

nonferrous metal

objects we use

Title

Mirror with serpentine interlaces and angular meanders

Artist

Artist Unknown, China

Physical Description

Thinnly cast mirror with narrow rim and bridge-shaped knob, back decorated with interlaces of serpentine and angular meaders, front side polished flat

Century

3rd century BCE

Object Creation Date

3rd century BCE

Accession Number

1958/2.76

Medium and Support

cast bronze with silver and malachite patina

Secondary Keywords

animals and creatures

copper alloy

copper and copper alloy

descriptors

furnishings

furnishings by form or function

inorganic material

legendary creatures

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

nonferrous metal

objects we use

Title

Jue wine cup

Artist

Artist Unknown, China

Physical Description

Bronze oval cup with a rounded base supported on three slender legs of triangular cross section; each leg tapers to a point. The vessel has one loop handle attached to the side, a long pouring spout with a U-shaped channel on one side balanced by a pointed tail on the other, and a pair of capped finials rise from the rim. The piece has a rich green patina and minimal surface decoration.

Century

13th century

Object Creation Date

circa 1300 BCE - circa 1100 BCE

Accession Number

1974/1.170

Medium and Support

cast bronze with green patina

Secondary Keywords

containers

containers by form

containers by function or context

containers for serving and consuming food

copper alloy

copper and copper alloy

culinary containers

descriptors

drinking vessels

inorganic material

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

nonferrous metal

objects we use

people and culture

styles and periods

styles and periods by general era

three-age system

vessels for serving and consuming food

Title

Ge (ceremonial dagger-axe)

Artist

Artist Unknown, China

Physical Description

ceremonial bronze ge dagger-axe, with pointed blade on one end and zoomorphic tang of stylized bird motif on the other.

Century

13th-11th century BCE

Object Creation Date

circa 1300 BCE - circa 1100 BCE

Accession Number

1996/2.19

Medium and Support

cast bronze with malachite patina

Secondary Keywords

copper alloy

copper and copper alloy

descriptors

inorganic material

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

nonferrous metal

objects

weaponry

whip

Title

Censer with Maltese crosses, birds, and columns

Artist

Artist Unknown, Coptic, Egypt

Physical Description

The body of this cylindrical censer is decorated with eight columns spaced at regular intervals. The lid of the censer consists of an openwork dome divided into sections by eight vertical ribs that converge at its apex. An arched horizontal band intersects the midpoint of the ribs, and these eight junctures are marked with a projecting bird that holds a small bronze ball dangling from its beak. Two segments of the dome are decorated with Maltese crosses while another two feature curved plant forms. The apex is surmounted by a finial comprised of a globe topped by a Maltese cross on which a bird holding a piece of fruit perches.

Century

6th-7th century

Object Creation Date

500-699

Accession Number

1960/2.4

Medium and Support

bronze

Secondary Keywords

animals and creatures

architectural elements

associated concepts

ceremonial containers

christianity

columns and column components

components

components and systems

components by specific context

containers

containers by function or context

copper alloy

copper and copper alloy

crosses (motifs)

descriptors

design elements

inorganic material

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

motifs

nonferrous metal

objects we use

people and culture

religions

religions and religious concepts

structural elements

structural elements and structural element components

supporting and resisting elements

Title

Polycandelon for six oil lamps

Artist

Artist Unknown, Coptic, Egypt

Physical Description

This bronze light fixture consists of a central circular celestial motif from which extend twelve arms in a radial pattern. Six of these arms, embellished with maltese crosses, end in omega-shaped terminals. These decorated arms alternate with six unadorned arms that terminate in rings designed to hold glass oil lamps. The entire disk is suspended from three bronze chains joined to a large hook.

Century

6th century

Object Creation Date

500-599

Accession Number

1965/2.54

Medium and Support

bronze

Secondary Keywords

associated concepts

christianity

copper alloy

copper and copper alloy

crosses (motifs)

descriptors

design elements

furnishings

furnishings by form or function

geographic and political locations

inorganic material

lighting devices

lighting devices by form

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

middle east (general region)

motifs

nonferrous metal

objects we use

people and culture

religions

religions and religious concepts

Title

The Deposition of Christ

Artist

Guglielmo della Porta

Physical Description

A small crowd of figures gathers around the body of a dead man and a fainting woman in the center of this bronze panel. The dead man's body and the two men holding his burial shroud appear in the foreground, while the fainting woman and the three women and the man who support her are positioned immediately above and behind them. Another woman with loose, flowing hair leans forward to kiss the left hand of the dead man, uniting the two parts of this central group. Four other male figures, rendered in slightly smaller scale and lower relief, look on from the sides. Three crosses provide the backdrop to the drama. The central cross is empty, yet two twisting nude males are suspended from the crosses on either side.

Artist Life Dates

1515-1577

Century

16th century

Object Creation Date

circa 1564

Accession Number

1962/2.20

Medium and Support

bronze relief

Secondary Keywords

associated concepts

copper alloy

copper and copper alloy

coverings and hangings

coverings and hangings by function

coverings and hangings by specific type

descriptors

europe (continent)

events

executions

furnishings

furnishings by form or function

geographic and political locations

groups of people

groups of people by activity

inorganic material

italy (nation)

lazio (region)

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

nonferrous metal

objects we use

people

people (agents)

people and culture

religions

religions and religious concepts

roma (province)

Title

Katanga Cross Currency

Artist

Artist Unknown, African, Luba People Democratic Republic of the Congo

Century

20th century

Object Creation Date

circa 1925

Accession Number

1987/1.277

Medium and Support

bronze, sand cast method

Secondary Keywords

copper alloy

copper and copper alloy

descriptors

inorganic material

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

nonferrous metal

object genres

object genres by form

people and culture

styles and periods

styles and periods by region

Title

Janus Bird (Oiseau Janus)

Artist

Max Ernst

Physical Description

Standing bronze figure with recto/verso. The silhouette of the body is rectangular in shape. The heads on both side are simply rendered with rounded eyes and a pursed -lip mouth on one, a button nose on the other; bodies are supported by short legs; sides loosely suggest representations of male and female anatomy with side-by-side scallop shells suggesting a breasted chest on one side, an upward facing frog/toad in the phallus area on the reverse side.

Artist Life Dates

1891-1976

Century

20th century

Object Creation Date

1973

Accession Number

1987/1.160

Medium and Support

bronze

Secondary Keywords

amphibians

animals

animals and creatures

combination inorganic/organic animal material

combination inorganic/organic material

copper alloy

copper and copper alloy

descriptors

european

european styles and periods

inorganic material

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

modern and contemporary art

modern european fine arts styles and movements

modern european styles and movements

movement

nonferrous metal

objects we use

people and culture

reptiles

reptiles and amphibians

shell and shell material

styles and periods

styles and periods by region

the natural world

visual works

visual works by medium or technique

visual works by subject type

Title

Crossbow fibula with vegetal ornament on the catchplate

Artist

Anonymous Gallo-Roman

Physical Description

This fibula, a type of brooch used to pin outer garments, features a crossbar that ends in three onion-shaped terminals, which give the fibula a shape reminiscent of a crossbow. An arched bow connects the crossbar to the longer catchplate, which is ornamented with vegetal motifs.

Century

5th century

Object Creation Date

450-500

Accession Number

1966/2.17

Medium and Support

gilt bronze

Secondary Keywords

additive and joining processes and techniques

associated concepts

copper alloy

copper and copper alloy

costume

costume accessories

costume accessories worn

culture and related concepts

culture-related concepts

descriptors

europe (continent)

european

european styles and periods

geographic and political locations

inorganic material

jewelry

jewelry by location

jewelry worn on costume

materials

materials by composition

medieval

medieval styles and periods

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

metallizing

nonferrous metal

objects we use

people and culture

pins (jewelry)

processes and techniques

processes and techniques by specific type

styles and periods

styles and periods by region

surface covering processes and techniques

Title

Standing Figure

Artist

Alberto Giacometti

Physical Description

An elongated figure with minimal features stands on a small rectangular base with left foot slightly forward. The metal has a texture resembling molten wax.

Artist Life Dates

1901 - 1966

Century

20th century

Object Creation Date

1957

Accession Number

1958/1.137

Medium and Support

bronze

Secondary Keywords

visual arts

artistic concepts

associated concepts

concepts in the arts

copper alloy

copper and copper alloy

descriptors

figures

forming

forms of expression

genres

inorganic material

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

modern and contemporary art

nonferrous metal

objects we use

people and culture

people and occupations

physical activities

physical activities by general context

processes and techniques

processes and techniques by specific type

visual works

visual works by medium or technique

visual works by subject type

Title

Vajra bell (Lontjeng) (one of a pair)

Artist

Artist Unknown, Indonesia, Java

Physical Description

This is one of a pair of Javanese bells. A talon-like vajra sits atop the bronze handle. Lotus petals decorate the base, and the faces encircling the the bell above them depict Prajnaparamita, the bodhisattva aspect of “Perfection of Wisdom.”

Century

16th -17th century

Object Creation Date

16th century - 17th century

Accession Number

1957/2.54

Medium and Support

bronze

Secondary Keywords

hollow-bodied

associated concepts

bells and sets of bells

biological components

buddhism

buddhist doctrinal concepts

chordophones

components

components and systems

components by specific context

copper alloy

copper and copper alloy

descriptors

directly struck idiophones

doctrinal concepts

heads

inorganic material

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

nonferrous metal

objects

objects we use

people and culture

percussion idiophones

religions

religions and religious concepts

religious concepts

sound devices

sound devices by acoustical characteristics

struck idiophones

the human body

upper body

Title

Faucet with Peacock Spigot and Lion-Headed Spout

Artist

Artist Unknown, Iran

Physical Description

This large bronze faucet features a peacock spigot and a lion-headed spout.

Century

12th-13th century

Object Creation Date

12th century

Accession Number

1959/1.114

Medium and Support

bronze

Secondary Keywords

animals and creatures

birds

copper alloy

copper and copper alloy

descriptors

inorganic material

mammals

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

nonferrous metal

Title

One of Four Panels of Textile Fragments: Kinran and Karaori

Artist

Artist Unknown, Japan

Physical Description

This brocade makes use of gold thread, creating a composite that shimmers. the warm, muted tones of the gold are matched in color selections of light blue, dark blue, yellow, mauve, silvery white, and muted green threads. Two textile fragments have been sewn into a gold background. On the left is a rectangular segment of a blue and green dragon among clouds. The right segment is a floral decoration of a variety of plants and colors, interspersed with horizontal lines.

Century

17th to 18th centuries

Object Creation Date

17th century

Accession Number

1972/2.44.1

Medium and Support

silk brocade with gilt paper (kinran); Noh robe fragment, karaori (Chinese weave

Secondary Keywords

patterning

animals and creatures

associated concepts

buildings and the land

components

components and systems

components by specific context

costume components

descriptors

design elements

earth sciences concepts

gold and gold alloy

herbaceous plants

inorganic material

landscapes (environments)

legendary creatures

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

metalwork

motifs

natural landscapes

nonferrous metal

object genres

object genres by material

people and culture

physical sciences concepts

plant-derived motifs

plants

processes and techniques

processes and techniques by material

processes and techniques by specific type

scientific concepts

settlements and landscapes

textile construction processes and techniques

textile processes and techniques

textile weaving processes and techniques

textile weaving techniques

vegetation and vegetation components

vegetation components

weather and related phenomena

weather-related phenomena

weft patterning

woody plants

Title

One of Four Panels of Textile Fragments: Obi Brocades

Artist

Artist Unknown, Japan

Physical Description

The colorful strips of brocade at the top and bottom of this panel feature a woven design of ivy and peonies entwined around cartwheels, bamboo, and stylized diamonds. A wide rectangular fragment of an obi (sash for kimono) lie at the center of the textile. It is an almost abstract design of boats tossed in a frothy sea. The warm, muted tones of the gold are matched in color selections of mauve, and muted purple, blue, and green threads.

Century

17th to 19th centuries

Object Creation Date

17th century - 18th century

Accession Number

1972/2.44.2

Medium and Support

brocade with gilt paper (kinran nishiki) & float stitch embroidery (watashi nui)

Secondary Keywords

patterning

buildings and the land

components

components and systems

components by specific context

costume components

descriptors

design elements

gold and gold alloy

herbaceous plants

inorganic material

landscapes (environments)

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

metalwork

motifs

natural landscapes

nonferrous metal

object genres

object genres by material

plant-derived motifs

plants

processes and techniques

processes and techniques by material

processes and techniques by specific type

settlements and landscapes

textile construction processes and techniques

textile processes and techniques

textile weaving processes and techniques

textile weaving techniques

vegetation and vegetation components

vegetation components

weft patterning

woody plants

Title

One of Four Panels of Textile Fragments: Indigo Brocades

Artist

Artist Unknown, Japan

Physical Description

Fragments of brocade textiles are stitched symmetrically into gold fabric. Gold, blue, and brownish/copper hues create the patterns on the textile fragments.

Century

20th century

Object Creation Date

1900-1926

Accession Number

1972/2.44.3

Medium and Support

silk brocade (nishiki)

Secondary Keywords

patterning

components

components and systems

components by specific context

costume components

descriptors

gold and gold alloy

inorganic material

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

metalwork

nonferrous metal

object genres

object genres by material

processes and techniques

processes and techniques by material

processes and techniques by specific type

textile construction processes and techniques

textile processes and techniques

textile weaving processes and techniques

textile weaving techniques

weft patterning

Title

One of Four Panels of Textile Fragments: Brocades in Various Traditional Pattern

Artist

Artist Unknown, Japan

Physical Description

A checkered gold brocade foregrounds five fragments of textile: a square in the middle surrounded by four cornerpieces. Each textile has a different design, some with butterflies, birds, and other floral motifs.

Century

19th to 20th centuries

Object Creation Date

1860-1926

Accession Number

1972/2.44.9

Medium and Support

silk brocade (nishiki) and silk brocade with gilt paper (kinran)

Secondary Keywords

patterning

animals and creatures

arthropods

components

components and systems

components by specific context

costume components

descriptors

design elements

gold and gold alloy

inorganic material

insects

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

metalwork

motifs

nonferrous metal

object genres

object genres by material

plant-derived motifs

processes and techniques

processes and techniques by material

processes and techniques by specific type

textile construction processes and techniques

textile processes and techniques

textile weaving processes and techniques

textile weaving techniques

weft patterning

Title

Dark purple kimono with overall jacquard woven pattern of chrysanthemums in dark brown, silver, and gold

Artist

Artist Unknown, Japan

Physical Description

Silk crepe repp with interwoven brown and silver- and gold-colored synthetic metallic threads in the design of chrysanthemum blossoms. Lining is plain weave silk for upper half; purple for lower half and inner cuffs.

Century

mid-20th century

Object Creation Date

1930s-1950s

Accession Number

2005/1.393

Medium and Support

silk crepe with interwoven brown and silver- and gold- coated threads

Secondary Keywords

costumes

descriptors

flowers

gold and gold alloy

inorganic material

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

nonferrous metal

objects

objects we use

plants

the natural world

Title

Genji espies Murasaki for the first time, from the Wakamurasaki chapter of The Tale of Genji

Artist

Kanô Tsunenobu

Physical Description

Among a gold and bright mineral pigmented landscape, Genji stands below a cherry tree in full bloom and watches Murasaki, who stands in an architectural structure. A distant stream and hilltops indicate the isolated setting.

Artist Life Dates

active 1636-1713

Century

17th century

Object Creation Date

circa 1670-1680

Accession Number

2002/1.168

Medium and Support

ink, color, and gold pigment and foil on paper

Secondary Keywords

upward

allegory and literature

architecture

artistic concepts

artistic devices

associated concepts

bodies of water

bodies of water and components of bodies of water

bodies of water by size

buildings and the land

business and industry

concepts in the arts

deciduous trees

descriptors

document genres

gold and gold alloy

houses

information forms

inorganic material

landforms

landforms and landform components

landforms by shape or position

landscapes (environments)

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

mine

natural landscapes

nonferrous metal

objects we use

people and culture

people and occupations

plants

riverine bodies

settlements and landscapes

symbolism

the natural world

trees by leaf life

vegetation and vegetation components

vegetation components

woody plants

Title

Standing Buddha in Abhaya-vara mudra

Artist

Artist Unknown, Korea

Physical Description

Gilt bronze standing Buddha on lotus pedestal. He is clothed in monastic robes with cascading U-shaped folds, similar to the gentle folds of his neck. His hands ake the form of two mudras: the abhaya (“have no fear”) mudra with the right hand, and varada (“wishes are granted”) mudra with the left.

It is well proportioned overall and represent Buddha in a standing position; a position quite popular in Unified Shilla Buddhist sculpture. The Ushinisha on the top of Buddha's head is tall, voluminous and black. The face is plump and facial features, including the eyes, nose and the mouth, are all rather small. The earlobes hang are hanging and the three curved lines on the neck are highly distinct.

Century

ca. 8th century

Object Creation Date

late 7th century - early 8th century

Accession Number

1961/2.80

Medium and Support

gilt bronze

Secondary Keywords

additive and joining processes and techniques

associated concepts

attributes and properties

attributes and properties by specific type

copper alloy

copper and copper alloy

descriptors

figures (representations)

form attributes

inorganic material

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

metallizing

nonferrous metal

objects we use

people

people (agents)

people and culture

people by state or condition

processes and techniques

processes and techniques by specific type

religions

religions and religious concepts

size (extent)

size by specific type

surface covering processes and techniques

visual works

visual works by subject type

Title

Domed boss surrounded by raised band and dots, field of two phoenixes among flowers and vines, raised border with floral motif and five-lobed edges on both sides.

Artist

Artist Unknown, Korea

Physical Description

This mirror features designs of two birds, coupled with floral motifs, positioned symmetrically on the left and right sides. Eight-foiled barbed bronze mirror is general. This type is a modified form of that.

Century

10th–14th century

Object Creation Date

918-1392

Accession Number

1965/2.61

Medium and Support

bronze

Secondary Keywords

animals and creatures

copper alloy

copper and copper alloy

descriptors

furnishings

furnishings by form or function

inorganic material

legendary creatures

materials

materials by composition

metal

metal and metal products

metal by composition or origin

mirrors

mirrors by form

nonferrous metal

objects we use