Large Earthenware Pottery Jar with Hill Cover, Han Dynasty

The vessel has a rounded body rising to a tall neck, surmounted by a decorative rare cover modeled in the form of mountain peaks. The entire surface is painted with layers of yellow, white and black pigments forming horizontal bands, while the shoulder is further adorned with simple circular motifs and ring-shaped patterns.

The cover is sculpted in an irregular mountain-like form, reflecting Daoist symbolism. The surface shows a coarse, matte texture resulting from long burial and subsequent oxidation, with areas of fading and pigment accretion. The foot is broad and flat, providing stability, and the base reveals the reddish-brown clay body.

Period : Han dynasty
Type : Jar
Medium : Earthenware
Dimension : 53.5 cm(Height) x 15cm(Mouth Diameter)
Condition : Good(Two depressions(pit) on mouth part and they are not visible on photos and overall in well-preserved ancient burial condition with some soil still adhering (showing minor abrasions and wear due to prolonged burial underground)
Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong
Reference: Christies Newyork 20–27 MAR 2018 - Lot 22 - A GREEN AND AMBER-GLAZED JAR, HU, AND A COVER
(Price realised : 9,375 USD / Type : Related)
https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-5878187