Bowl. North China; Tang period (618-906), about late 7th - early 8th century. Silver with embossing, chasing, engraving, and gilding. H. 2 3/4 in. (7 cm); D. 6 7/8 in. (17.5 cm). Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection of Asian Art. 1979.117.

The interest in metalwork and the use of gold and silver in Tang-period China illustrate the impact of foreign ideas and art forms on the culture. Two different ways of representing landscapes appear on this bowl. The decoration on the rim, featuring a wide variety of animals racing through stylized flora, derives from native Chinese traditions. The more structured floral arabesques within the lotus petals on the sides of the bowl originate in Persian and Central Asian art. The bowl was shaped by hammering a sheet of silver into this form and then additional hammering produced the designs. The vines, flowers, birds, and animals were covered with gilding, much of which has worn away over time. www.asiasocietymuseum.com