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Ai Weiwei

Glass Vase

€800

Edition of 300⌀ 19.0 (H) × 21.0 (W) × 21.2 (D) cm

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Antiquity and life under capitalism coalesce in an edition of glass vases by Ai Weiwei.

Traditional Chinese ceramics have appeared in Ai’s work on numerous occasions, most notably in 1995 when he dropped (and smashed) a priceless Han Dynasty urn on camera. The artist has also adorned similarly-irreplicable urns in paint with the iconic Coca-Cola logo. With such artworks Ai juxtaposes new with old, and artisanal skill with mass manufacture – questioning the value we ascribe to the objects that surround us.

Cast in translucent red glass using an iron mould on Murano – a group of islands in the Venetian Lagoon renowned for glassmaking – the vase encompasses a new juncture for the artist’s ongoing reflections on iconography, repetition and commodification.

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Ai Weiwei and power have history. What's your perspective?
Middle Finger

Behind the scenes

artist Ai Weiwei taking a selfie in a bathroom mirror

Ai Weiwei31 collaborationsAi Weiwei is unafraid to speak truth to power. He’s one of the most famous living artists today – a testament to the breadth and vision of his practice. Effortlessly, he moves between different media, from sculpture and architecture to performance and documentary film. His work is often monumental in scale and is driven by a hunger for truth and justice. In 2008, for example, Ai spent many months collecting the names of over 5000 children who lost their lives in the Sichuan earthquake. This unflinching dedication to human rights saw him detained by the Chinese government for 81 days in 2011, accused of ‘subverting the state.’

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Reviews from Avant collectors

Outstanding presentation, looking forward to ordering more artwork.
Review of Portrait of Maya #10
love my piece and thank you for the communication and guidance regarding shipping documents
Review of Sandman
Love, love, love this piece of amazing work...from the craftmanship, brilliance of the colors, to the title it is fire! My new fave...among many other favorites! The treatment my framer gave it is delicious and aww inspiring...thanks Avant Arte!
Review of In Search For Light
What a breathtakingly beautiful art print! What a great service!
Review of Inner Love
The print is beautifully made, and I love it.
Review of Portrait of Maya #10
I’m really happy to add this piece to my collection. It’s always a pleasure working with you — thank you for making everything so smooth. Looking forward to hearing about more great works!
Review of Untitled
The monent I opened the box I was pose struck. I’m headspinning beyond happy with this piece of artwork! This piece pops like bubble gum and a great addition to my other pieces by the artist. Great communication and packaging from AA!
Review of B BOY JUSHI
Excellent on every level - buying experience, communication, framing and packaging by (which was exceptional) and of course, the actual artwork - it is stunning in real life - really delighted.
Review of Guardian

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