Covered hu vessel, one of a pair, 3rd century BCE
Chinaexpand_more
Bronzeexpand_more
Gift of Ruth and Bruce Daytonexpand_more 96.46.1a,b
Not on Viewexpand_more
The hu wine or water vessel evolved from the late Shang (c. 1300–1046 BCE) to the Han dynasties (206 BCE–220 CE) and took a great variety of forms. During the Warring States period, this type of round hu, with its bulging belly, tall neck, and rimmed foot, became one of the most popular bronze vessels. In keeping with contemporary taste, it was relatively undecorated, sometimes with the exception of several raised bow strings, or flat bands, encircling the body. Most have ring handles (often in the form of animal masks) on the shoulders and a slightly domed lid embellished with three knobs in stylized animal form. In this example, there is an inscription engraved near one animal mask, which reads “xin li," indicating the location of the workshop in Chang’an, capital of the Han dynasty.
Details
- Title
- Covered hu vessel, one of a pair
- Artist Life
- China
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 96.46.1a,b
- 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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