large oval body with horizontal axis, flared circular base and mouth; dark grey base material with white and coral pigment applied in bands and curvilinear forms

Cocoon-shaped Jar, 3rd-early 2nd century BCE

Unknown artist, expand_more
Not on Viewexpand_more

Silk production, from the rearing of silkworms to weaving silk cloth, was an important source of income to Chinese farming families. This type of jar with its elegant cocoon shape was extremely popular during the Chin (221-206 b.c.) and Western Han periods (206 b.c.-a.d. 25). Plain grey earthenware was often painted during Han. The colors used were red, brown, green, yellow, black, white, orange, and blue. Jars like this may have been used in the ritual practices of sericulture as the rearing of silkworms was fraught with superstitions during the Han period.

Details
Title
Cocoon-shaped Jar
Role
Artist
Accession Number
95.40
Curator Approved

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large oval body with horizontal axis, flared circular base and mouth; dark grey base material with white and coral pigment applied in bands and curvilinear forms