Hand warmer c. early 17th century

0:00

ceramic, earthenware

asian-art

ceramic

earthenware

stoneware

earthenware

decorative-art

Dimensions: 3 × 4 13/16 × 4 13/16 in. (7.62 × 12.22 × 12.22 cm)

Editor: So, here we have an object called "Hand Warmer," dating back to the early 17th century. It's earthenware, attributed to Zhang Mingqi. The simple shape belies a surprising level of craft. How do you see the creation and cultural role of such an object? Curator: Its beauty lies not just in form but in its production. Earthenware, while common, required skilled labor to mold and fire evenly. The perforations on top? Precisely placed to control airflow, dictating warmth. The 'hand warmer' title is limiting, it represents social stratification of labour, indicating specialized artisans catering to wealthier patrons. Editor: That makes me think about functionality versus artistry. Was it seen more as a tool or as an object of art in its own time? Curator: An interesting question! Both. Utilitarian, yes, providing physical comfort. Yet, consider the level of detail -the repetition and careful craft indicates someone, probably of lower class, took care making it and then it was made accessible to someone from the higher class. Does it speak to a particular artisan’s style, or a more collaborative workshop system, with division of labor? These details were rarely recorded, emphasizing craft and labor. Editor: I never really considered it from the maker's viewpoint. How its functionality implies that their labor could directly affect people’s lives... Curator: Exactly. Consumption and class are intricately linked through its materials, labor and intended owner. Considering its existence offers us insights into the structures that define that period. Editor: It reframes what I think of as "art" and broadens its horizons beyond art in a museum... Thank you. Curator: A perfect conclusion! Always interrogate what makes that object significant – both aesthetically and socially!

Comments

minneapolisinstituteofart over 1 year ago

⋮

A native of Jiaxing in Zhejiang province, Zhang Mingqi was regarded as one of the four greatest craftsmen of the late Ming dynasty. While the other three specialized in crafts including bamboo carving, Yixing pottery, and shell carving and inlay, Zhang was the most well-known producer of handwarmers of the late Ming dynasty. Because of his mastery, his nickname was Zhanglu, or “Handwarmer Zhang”. He typically worked with red copper and often used a hammering technique to shape his works. The result was that it was less likely for the handwarmers to rust. He was also known for creating components that fit together perfectly, due to his attention to precision. The lids of his works are often composed of an openwork netting pattern, inspired by bamboo basket weaving but produced with copper. He always carved his name in seal script on the underside of his works – Zhang Mingqi zhi (Made by Zhang Mingqi).