Jar with Tubular Handles, Peonies, “Endless Knot,” Pendant Balls, and Pendant Lozenges by Mogens Balle

Jar with Tubular Handles, Peonies, “Endless Knot,” Pendant Balls, and Pendant Lozenges

Mogens Balle

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“Stop and admire this porcelain jar for its exquisite detail. It beautifully combines natural imagery with a timeless symbol, creating a piece that is both decorative and deeply meaningful.”

ABOUT THIS WORK

This porcelain jar, with its striking tubular handles, presents a vibrant interplay of natural and symbolic motifs. Peonies bloom across its surface, their rounded forms and delicate petals rendered in underglaze decoration, suggesting a lush garden in full bloom. The "Endless Knot," a significant Buddhist symbol representing interconnectedness and eternal harmony, is subtly integrated into the design, offering a layer of spiritual meaning. Below, a series of pendant balls and lozenges create a rhythmic border, drawing the eye around the vessel's elegant silhouette. The precise molding and the way the glaze interacts with the sculpted surface highlight the craftsmanship involved, transforming a functional object into a captivating work of art.

DETAILS
Artist
Mogens Balle
Medium
Porcelain with underglaze molded decoration
Location
Art Institute of Chicago
Dimensions
35 × 20 × 12.8 cm (13 3/4 × 7 7/8 × 5 1/16 in.)
Collection
Arts of Asia
Culture
China
Credit line
Gift of Charles L. Hutchinson and Martin A. Ryerson
ART MOVEMENTS
LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

Five details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

Jar with Tubular Handles, Peonies, “Endless Knot,” Pendant Balls, and Pendant Lozenges
01

The way the tubular handles echo the curves of the jar itself.

02

Look closely at the peonies: can you see the individual petals?

03

Find the "Endless Knot" symbol, woven into the floral pattern.

04

The repetitive pattern of pendant balls and lozenges at the base.

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AUDIO DEEP DIVE

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The full narration walks you through Jar with Tubular Handles, Peonies, “Endless Knot,” Pendant Balls, and Pendant Lozenges — the story behind it, the details most visitors miss, and why it matters. Free in the Art Whisper app.

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THE ARTIST

Mogens Balle

1921–1988 · Kingdom of Denmark

Mogens Balle, a Danish painter, created vibrant, abstract works, often exploring the spontaneous and experimental.

Read Balle’s full story
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EXPLORE THE MOVEMENT

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