Disk with Floral Designs
Disk with Floral Designs
Place of OriginChina
DateHan Dynasty (206 BCE - 221 CE)
DimensionsDiam: 1 3/16 in. (3 cm)
MediumGlass
ClassificationGlass
Object number
1930.222
Not on View
DescriptionA flat, circular disk of opaque white glass with a central perforation. Both the obverse and reverse are decorated in bas-relief with stylized floral sprays. The material is dense and opaque, simulating the visual qualities of stone.
Label TextThese opaque white glass discs (1930.221 and 1930.222) illustrate the Chinese glassmaker’s skill in imitating precious stones. Glass in early China was often treated as a surrogate for jade (yu), and opaque white formulas were developed specifically to replicate the stone's visual qualities. These pieces were part of the Sunglin Collection formed by Dr. Herbert Mueller in Beijing in the early 20th century.Published ReferencesMueller, Herbert, The Sunglin Collection of Chinese Art and Archaeology, Peking: Catalog of Exhibition, New York, Herbert J. Devine Galleries, 1930, nos. H.1017 and H.1018.
Exhibition HistoryToledo Museum of Art, East Asiatic Glass, October 1948, no. 67, repr.
Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 221 CE)
Probably mid- or third quarter of the 1st century
First half of the 1st century
mid-19th century
First half of the 1st century
Tang Dynasty (618-907)
6th - 7th century CE
about 730 BCE (Late Geometric IIa )
Roman Period, 1st century BCE - 4th century CE
Roman Period, 1st century BCE - 4th century CE
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