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Artwork

'Jar, Raqqa, Syria, 12th-13th century', 'Funderary Jar', China, 13th century', 'Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Kannon)', Japan, late 12th century, 'Pear-shaped bottle', Korea, late 13th-early 14th century, 'Table with dragon decoration', China, probably 18th century, from the Charles Lang Freer Collection

Alvin Langdon Coburn , 1909

'Jar, Raqqa, Syria, 12th-13th century', 'Funderary Jar', China, 13th century', 'Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Kannon)', Japan, late 12th century, 'Pear-shaped bottle', Korea, late 13th-early 14th century, 'Table with dragon decoration', China, probably 18th century, from the Charles Lang Freer Collection, by Alvin Langdon Coburn, photographic, 1909
'Jar, Raqqa, Syria, 12th-13th century', 'Funderary Jar', China, 13th century', 'Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Kannon)', Japan, late 12th century, 'Pear-shaped bottle', Korea, late 13th-early 14th century, 'Table with dragon decoration', China, probably 18th century, from the Charles Lang Freer Collection, by Alvin Langdon Coburn, photographic, 1909

'Jar, Raqqa, Syria, 12th-13th century', 'Funderary Jar', China, 13th century', 'Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Kannon)', Japan, late 12th century, 'Pear-shaped bottle', Korea, late 13th-early 14th century, 'Table with dragon decoration', China, probably 18th century, from the Charles Lang Freer Collection is a photographic photography by Alvin Langdon Coburn. It dates from 1909 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This photograph displays a curated selection of four Asian artifacts from the Charles Lang Freer Collection on a decorated shelf.

About this work

Overview

This photograph displays a curated selection of four Asian artifacts from the Charles Lang Freer Collection on a decorated shelf. The objects span multiple centuries and geographical origins, including Syria, China, Japan, and Korea.

Subject & Meaning

The subjects include a Buddhist figure, Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Kannon), symbolizing compassion in Japanese Buddhism from the late 12th century, alongside functional and decorative items. The shelf's dragon decoration adds a motif commonly associated with Chinese cultural symbolism.

Technique & Style

The artifacts showcase diverse techniques: the textured, fluted vase (likely the Raqqa Jar or Funeral Jar) contrasts with the smooth, swirled pear-shaped Korean bottle. The wooden Bodhisattva statue exhibits intricate detailing, while the Chinese table features carved dragons.

History & Provenance

The collection includes a 12th-13th century Syrian Jar, a 13th century Chinese Funeral Jar, a late 12th century Japanese Bodhisattva, a late 13th-early 14th century Korean bottle, and a probably 18th century Chinese table. All are part of the Charles Lang Freer Collection.

Context

The arrangement on a shelf with dragon-decorated edging (likely the Chinese table) contextualizes the pieces within a broader East Asian aesthetic tradition, despite their varied origins and time periods.

Legacy

As part of the Charles Lang Freer Collection, these artifacts contribute to a significant repository of Asian art, facilitating study, appreciation, and cultural exchange, potentially on display or referenced through institutions like the suggested Victoria and Albert Museum.

'Stele with Buddhist triad', China, 581-618 or later, 'Bodhisattva', Japan, 'Bowl', (origins unknown), 'Figure of Avalokiteshvara', Japanese, after statue in Horyuji Temple, early 20th century, 'Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Kannon)', Japan, late 8th century, from the Charles Lang Freer Collection
'Stele with Buddhist triad', China, 581-618 or later, 'Bodhisattva', Japan, 'Bowl', (origins unknown), 'Figure of Avalokiteshvara', Japanese, after statue in Horyuji Temple, early 20th century, 'Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Kannon)', Japan, late 8th century, from the Charles Lang Freer Collection, Alvin Langdon Coburn

Artist & collection

Artist

Alvin Langdon Coburn

Alvin Langdon Coburn kept a tiny camera in every coat pocket, snapping odd angles of London’s streets while pretending to window-shop.

MORE BY ALVIN LANGDON COBURN

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted 'Jar, Raqqa, Syria, 12th-13th century', 'Funderary Jar', China, 13th century', 'Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Kannon)', Japan, late 12th century, 'Pear-shaped bottle', Korea, late 13th-early 14th century, 'Table with dragon decoration', China, probably 18th century, from the Charles Lang Freer Collection?

'Jar, Raqqa, Syria, 12th-13th century', 'Funderary Jar', China, 13th century', 'Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Kannon)', Japan, late 12th century, 'Pear-shaped bottle', Korea, late 13th-early 14th century, 'Table with dragon decoration', China, probably 18th century, from the Charles Lang Freer Collection was painted by Alvin Langdon Coburn in 1909.

Where can I see 'Jar, Raqqa, Syria, 12th-13th century', 'Funderary Jar', China, 13th century', 'Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Kannon)', Japan, late 12th century, 'Pear-shaped bottle', Korea, late 13th-early 14th century, 'Table with dragon decoration', China, probably 18th century, from the Charles Lang Freer Collection?

'Jar, Raqqa, Syria, 12th-13th century', 'Funderary Jar', China, 13th century', 'Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara (Kannon)', Japan, late 12th century, 'Pear-shaped bottle', Korea, late 13th-early 14th century, 'Table with dragon decoration', China, probably 18th century, from the Charles Lang Freer Collection is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.