1media/1998.1_thumb.jpg2024-02-15T11:35:53-08:00Erica Belden2c58317b5121252bb69543f897890ff8473677c5444041Ewer in the Form of a Parrotplain2024-02-15T11:35:53-08:00Erica Belden2c58317b5121252bb69543f897890ff8473677c5
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1media/1998.1.jpg2024-02-15T11:40:16-08:00Ewer in the Form of a Parrot (1998.1)16plain2024-02-29T08:35:18-08:00Erica Belden, Class of 2026, College of the Holy Cross
Ewers are containers used for the transportation of liquids, and these containers often display fanciful shapes and colors.In 16th century Vietnam, ewers like this one, made in the shape of a parrot, transported wine for celebratory drinking and water for bathing. Thisewer was part of a larger set of blue and white Vietnamese ceramic ware, and its decoration and form were influenced by Chinese art. The blue and white decorative elements, as well as its bird-shaped form were common in both Chinese and Indonesian ceramics. The influence of art and ceramics from these regions played a large role in the creation of Ewer in the Form of a Parrot.
12024-02-15T12:09:41-08:00Who made this ewer?10plain2024-02-28T16:23:30-08:00Erica Belden, Class of 2026, College of the Holy Cross
The person who created this object remains unknown, but one can gather the type of individual who might have made this ewer. This object was created through Chinese ceramic influence. The white background with cobalt blue decorations were influenced by the porcelain pieces made in China before the "Ming Gap". Additionally, the imagery of birds was present in art during the 16th century. Birds symbolize beauty, dignity, and peace, so one can assume that the creator of this object had this in mind when crafting this ewer. See the image of "Ewer in the Form of a Phoenix" for comparison. A vietnamese potter would have made this ewer with these conditions in mind.
12024-02-15T12:07:33-08:00What does this ewer tell us about the medieval globe?6plain2024-02-28T16:23:55-08:00Erica Belden, Class of 2026, College of the Holy CrossThis object demonstrates the impact that different cultures have on works of art and the way they were produced. The traditional blue and white ceramics that emerged in China in the 14th century significantly influenced trends in Vietnamese art, which is demonstrated in Ewer in the Form of a Parrot's blue and white exterior. Circumstances such as the "Ming Gap" also contributed to the boom in this type of art during the 15th and 16th centuries. This time period allowed for Vietnamese ceramic trade to flourish due to a lack of competition from China. Although Chinese ceramic production was more advanced during the time of this object's creation, its aesthetic similarities are undeniable. Additionally, the high levels of ceramic trade across the globe contribute to the idea of the medieval globe. Objects like Ewer in the Form of a Parrot were transported across Asia and Europe at this time, spreading ceramic technique and trends. Portuguese and Dutch influence is seen throughout the 15th and 16th centuries, as they obtained rights to anchor off Macau, China and conduct trade. Blue and white ceramics from Asia were a major force in trade during this time period. Because of these qualities, it is clear that Ewer in the Form of a Parrot demonstrates the power and influence of the medieval globe.