Accession Number
1964/2.67

Title
Jar

Artist(s)
Chinese

Artist Nationality
Chinese (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
206 BCE - 220 CE

Medium & Support
glaze on earthenware

Dimensions
18 in x 12 in x 12 in (45.72 cm x 30.48 cm x 30.48 cm);18 in (45.72 cm);12 in (30.48 cm)

Credit Line
Museum purchase for the James Marshall Plumer Memorial Collection

Subject matter
A red earthenware hu (壺) jar for storing millet ale, sometimes referred to as "wine". The shape and green glaze mimick bronze forms. The two animal masks (taotie 饕餮) holding rings, serving as decorative handles, reflect contemporary bronze doorknockers. These types of jars were made in abundance as funerary storage vessels to supply for the afterlife and have been found in the tombs of Han citizens in both the middle and elite social classes. 

Physical Description
A red earthenware, tall jar with a bulbous body, straight flaring neck with direct rim, and tall, slightly flared foot ring, with appliqué bands around the body and rim, and two animal mask decorations holding rings on opposing sides of the belly. It is covered in a green lead glaze with iridescence and calcification.

Primary Object Classification
Ceramic

Primary Object Type
jar

Collection Area
Asian

Rights
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Keywords
ceramic (material)
earthenware
grave goods
jars
lead glaze