Jar with two animal-mask handles, 1st century BCE - 1st century CE
Unknown artist, Chinaexpand_more
Stonewareexpand_more
C. Curtis Dunnavan Collection, purchased with a gift of fundsexpand_more 2023.91.2
Not on Viewexpand_more
This storage jar, of the type often referred to as "proto-celadon", is shaped after an archaic bronze vessel type known as bu (also known as pou). The high-fired lime glaze of thin olive-green, which usually is slightly mottled, is restricted to the upper areas. On the lower half of the vessel, the exposed body has turned a distinctive reddish brown. Its greenish color is due to the presence of iron and titanium oxides. On opposing sides are two sturdy and elaborate lugs each decorated with a human-mask, a pattern evolved from early bronze vessel forms. On its upper body there are three raised bands. Archaeological evidence suggests that most of such “proto-celadon” wares were manufactured in the vicinity of northern Zhejiang and southern Jiangsu provinces. The jar serves as an excellent example demonstrating the works at a transitional stage from pottery to porcelain which begins to appear during the Eastern Han dynasty (25–220) in present-day Zhejiang province.
Details
- Title
- Jar with two animal-mask handles
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 2023.91.2
- Curator Approved
This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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