Covered Tripod Cylindrical Vessel

Accession Number
1993/1.56.1-2

Title
Covered Tripod Cylindrical Vessel

Artist(s)
Chinese

Artist Nationality
Chinese (culture or style)

Object Creation Date
25 CE-220 CE

Medium & Support
earthenware with lead glaze

Dimensions
11 5/16 in x 9 3/16 in (28.8 cm x 23.3 cm);11 5/8 in x 9 15/16 in x 9 9/16 in (29.5 cm x 25.2 cm x 24.3 cm);4 5/8 in x 9 1/4 in x 9 1/4 in (11.8 cm x 23.5 cm x 23.5 cm);7 1/2 in x 9 15/16 in x 9 9/16 in (19 cm x 25.2 cm x 24.3 cm)

Credit Line
Gift of Domino's Pizza, Inc.

Subject matter
This red earthenware lian (奁) or hill-shaped incense burning vessel has molded designs of Central Asian lions and beasts running through a mountainous landscape. It is similar to examples casted in bronze from the Zhou through Tang dynasties. Burning incense was a common practice during the Han dynasty to expel evil spirits.  

Physical Description
This cylindrical, red earthenware vessel rests on three zoomorphic feet. It is molded in low relief with hills and running animals. Opposing monster masks hold rings as faux handles. The vessel has a high, pointed dome cover moulded with animals running though mountains and clouds. It is covered in a lead green glaze with iridescence and calcification.

Primary Object Classification
Ceramic

Primary Object Type
jar

Additional Object Classification(s)
Ceramic

Collection Area
Asian

Rights
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Keywords
ceramic (material)
containers (receptacles)
earthenware
feet (animal components)
grave goods
incense burners
jars
lead glaze
mountains
vessels (containers)

2 Related Resources

Consumables
(Part of: Exchange and Influence on Global Trade Routes)
Cabinet F: Shelf 3
(Part of: Albertine Monroe-Brown Study-Storage Gallery)

& Author Notes

Web Use Permitted

On display

UMMA Gallery Location ➜ AMH, 2nd floor ➜ 205 (Albertine Monroe-Brown Study-Storage Gallery) ➜ Cabinet F ➜ Shelf 3