Green Lead-Glazed Pottery Boshan Censer, Han Dynasty

A Han dynasty lead-glazed earthenware censer, its domed lid modeled as the mythical Boshan mountain with radiating triangular peaks evoking the Daoist immortal isles. The bulbous body sits on a waisted stem above a wide saucer base — a classic Han funerary form.

The original green glaze has weathered into the iridescent silvery-green "silver skin" (銀衣) patina typical of long tomb burial, with scattered glaze loss revealing the reddish earthenware body beneath.

Period : Han Dynasty (206 BC - 220 AD)
Medium : Earthenware with Green glaze
Dimension : 15cm(Diameter) x 20cm(Height)
Provenance : The piece was acquired in Hong Kong in late 1990s.
Condition : Good(strong iridescence throughout, minor expected glaze loss at rim and foot. Complete lid, bowl, and stand together are increasingly hard to find.)

* Han Dynasty Pottery

Han Dynasty pottery, originating from one of China's most significant historical periods (202 BCE – 220 CE), is renowned for its technological and artistic achievements in ceramic production. These artifacts typically feature a distinctive green glaze, although other colors were also used. The pottery often includes intricate decorative motifs, such as animals, mythological figures, and geometric patterns.

The craftsmanship during the Han Dynasty was advanced, with pottery techniques that were innovative for the time. These pieces were not only utilitarian but also held ceremonial and symbolic significance. The shapes and designs of Han Dynasty pottery vary, including items like urns, vases, and figures, reflecting both the daily life and the spiritual beliefs of the period