Lilyb Provost Art 170ll 2025 by

Splashed Ware Dish with Sgraffito Decoration, Pottery, Afghanistan, M.I.A, late 12th– early 13th century

lprov657 — 2025-09-14 17:20:02 UTC

Title:Splashed Ware Dish with Sgraffito Decoration
Material: Pottery
Period: Indus Valley Civilization
Country: Afghanistan
Date: late 12th– early 13th century
Museum: MIA
I chose this to look at this piece because I am from Minneapolis and am impartial to the M.I.A., the museum itself is a gem. I believe this dish held more of a decorative purpose rather than ever actually been used to eat off of. It being found at a trading center could be evidence of that. possibly it was being sold by the artist, or a similar novelties stand. I believe it connects to what we are learning in class when you see the technique used to make it. Most of the subjects we've seen so far have a very intricate design with an element of elegance and precision.

Head of a male Figure, Kushan Empire, Pottery MET, 4th-5th BCE

lprov657 — 2025-10-07 02:28:21 UTC

Title: Winged Beast (Tomb Figure)
Material: Pottery
Period: Kushan Empire
Country: Afghanistan
Date: 4th-5th BCE
Museum: MET

This piece was created around 4th-5th BCE in the Kushan empire. The face is in organic style. It is proportional and doesn't have any unrealistic designs or patterns. I believe this artifact is a product of greek art influence spreading to the east. The hair, eyes, expression and conventionally attractive features all remind me of greek art. If the head had a body I wouldn't be surprised if it was wearing a flowing linen toga with one shoulder exposed. I believe the figure has a mustache but it is hard to tell with the shadows.

Reaction to destruction of buddahs

lprov657 — 2025-10-21 21:29:49 UTC

Seeing the destruction of the Buddahs by the Taliban is a jarring reminder of the incessant violence of humanity on itself. There was no reason to destroy these Buddahs other than to prevent further worship and washing away ancient culture. It is sad to see the buddahs go, but human greed and destruction is not new. Art has come to pass while people move on and create new works. It would be amazing to see a world where no art had ever been destroyed in an act of war. That being said, I feel the damaged Buddah sculptures have become a new exhibit and statement of human history. They depict a war torn region and provide a sentimental example of cruelty and power. Something that people can look back on and remember the truth of the era just as the buddahs in prime condition were an example of. We cannot rewrite history but at least we can acknowledge the impact it has and create a stronger future.

Bi disc, Neolithic period, Jade, China, MIA, 1st century CE

lprov657 — 2025-10-21 21:40:32 UTC

Title: Bi disk
Material: Jade
Culture: Hongshan
Period: 3000-4000 CE
Country: China
Date: 1st century CE
Museum: Minneapolis institute of art

I chose this piece because I find the concept of Bi discs rather fascinating. It suggests that this one holds symbols of fertility. However, I know from what I've read in the book these were often buried with the dead. I like the dragon motif on this disk, I believe it is a powerful imagery to see dragons as the guardians of heaven. I believe the laborious process that goes into creating jade with slowly grinding the stone into shape makes it a lot more impactful.

Jar (Hu), Western Zhou dynasty, Bronze, China Chicago Institute of art, 927–850 B.C.

lprov657 — 2025-12-11 02:00:37 UTC

Title: Jar(hu)

Material: Bronze

Period: Western Zhou

Country: China

Date: 927-850 BCE

Museum: Art Institute of Chicago

I have chosen this vessel because of the design of the birds. I find it interesting how in the middle western zhou period they begin to split from the influence of the shang and the taotie with developing their own motifs. It marks a period of reinvention and movement towards the future. Also the geometric bird is just super cool!!

Venn Diagram japanese haniwa, terracotta army & Tomb of first Emperor & nintoku

lprov657 — 2025-12-14 20:37:51 UTC

Winged Beast (Tomb Figure), Western Han dynasty, Earthenware, Art institute of Chicago, (206 B.C.–9 A.D.)

lprov657 — 2025-12-14 21:19:27 UTC

Title: Winged Beast (Tomb Figure)
Material: Gray earthenware, slip-coated with polychrome pigments
Period: Han Dynasty (206 B.C.–9 A.D.)
Country: China
Date: 200 BCE–101 BCE
Museum: Art institute of Chicago

This Piece is an example of a funerary object from the han dynasty. It is an unidentifiable beast or dragon creature. What inspired me to chose this piece was the expressiveness in the eyes of the beast. I feel it holds a sort of inquisitive and somber expression, through this you're able to get a glimpse into the time in which the beast was made. Being a funerary item I picture this being made as a wise guardian for someone who was brave in their lifetime, such as a soldier or traveler.