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• 1 media/1998.1.jpg 2024-02-15T11:40:16-08:00 Ewer in the Form of a Parrot (1998.1) 20 plain 2024-03-01T14:37:11-08:00 21.027, 105.834 Erica 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 Vietnam in the 1500s, ewers like this one, made in the shape of a parrot, transported wine for celebratory drinking and water for bathing. This ewer was part of a larger set of blue and white Vietnamese ceramic ware, and its decoration and form were inspired by Chinese art. The blue and white decorative elements, as well as its bird-shaped form, were common in both Chinese and Indonesian ceramics.

• 1 2024-02-15T12:09:41-08:00 Who made this ewer? 12 plain 2024-03-01T15:02:00-08:00 Erica Belden, Class of 2026, College of the Holy Cross
  
  
  The Vietnamese artist who created this ewer remains unknown, but we know that they must have been interested in earlier Chinese ceramics. The ewer's white background with cobalt blue decorations was influenced by the porcelain made in China before the "Ming Gap". Birds can symbolize beauty, dignity, and peace, themes that the creator of this object must have had in mind when shaping this ewer.  Imagery of birds was present in diverse arts during the 1500s.  See the "Ewer in the Form of a Phoenix" for comparison. 
  
   
• 1 2024-02-15T12:07:33-08:00 What does this ewer tell us about the medieval globe? 8 plain 2024-02-29T12:26:28-08:00 Erica Belden, Class of 2026, College of the Holy CrossThis object demonstrates the impact that different cultures have on works of art and methods of production.  The traditional blue and white ceramics that emerged in China in the 14th century significantly influenced trends in Vietnamese art.  The connection to China 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 techniques 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.