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REN2 · 6.0043

Bowl

15th century. Central Asia. Bronze. 9.5 × 24 cm. WOSCU collection

Audio guide

Description

This is a bronze bowl made in Central Asia in the fifteenth century. Bronze is a durable material, resistant to external influences and well suited for objects intended for long use. At first glance such items may appear simple, yet it is precisely in objects like these that the craftsmanship of past artisans becomes most evident.
During the period often described as the Second Renaissance, metal vessels such as this could be found in many settings, from ordinary households to richly furnished interiors. It is important not to draw quick conclusions about ownership; the same type of vessel could serve different purposes. It was designed for repeated and long-term use.
Look closely at the surface. Darkening, small stains, and minor abrasions are traces left by time and handling. One of the distinctive features of such objects is the precision of the rim and the stability of the form. Even with signs of wear, the bowl retains its clear silhouette. This suggests that the maker worked not only for beauty, but also for durability.
Within the exhibition, this bowl speaks about everyday culture and the craftsmanship that supported the high level of urban life in fifteenth-century Central Asia.