The modelled animal figures and landscapes of this piece represent the Daoist ideology of the Han dynasty. The mountain-shaped lid refers to the sacred dwellings of the immortals, the Kunlun mountains, which was ruled by the Queen Mother of the West. The sides decorated with stylized fantastic animals. A pottery covered jar, zun, of cylindrical form, supported on three moulded feet in the form of bears that rest their hands on their knees. The straight sides are evenly divided into two parts by two ridges. "Iridescence" is observed in surface.
Period : Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD)
Type : Green-Glazed
Medium : Earthenware
Height : 25.6cm
Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong
Reference : British Museum (Museum number1909,0512.29) https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/A_1909-0512-29
* Han Dynasty Green-Glaze
Han Dynasty Green Glaze Pottery represents a significant aspect of ancient Chinese ceramics. Spanning from 206 BCE to 220 CE, this period marked a considerable advancement in pottery techniques and aesthetic refinement compared to earlier times.
The pottery is renowned for its distinctive green glaze, achieved through the use of copper-containing glazes. These glazes produced the green color during firing, as compounds with copper oxide reacted. This green glaze imparted a unique artistic effect, reflecting significant artistic values in Chinese society of the time.
Han Dynasty pottery also showcased advancements in form and design, reflecting the complexity and sophistication of the society and culture. These pieces, varying in shapes and sizes, often featured intricate decorations. Many were used as burial objects, reflecting ancient Chinese beliefs about death and the afterlife.
Reference : Ben Jassens Oriental Art
