Iridescent hu vase with lead glaze

Terracotta
China
Han dynasty (206 B.C. – 220 A.D.)
H. 38 cm or 15 in

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Description

This ceramic is a hu 壺 vase. Its entire body is adorned with a beautiful iridescent and brilliant monochrome water green. This appearance is the result of the glazing technique and of the time. The interior is dark red, the natural colour of the clay, as it has been left in its natural state.

The body is particularly wide and is decorated with two concentric circles which are carved in bas-relief into the material. Between them, on either side of the shoulder, is a decorative handle in high relief surmounted by a taotie mask 饕餮. This is a recurring ornament in the Chinese repertoire. The taotie surmounts a ring and forms the so-called pushou motif. This object comes from the Sichuan region and dates from the Han Dynasty period (206 B.C. – 220 A.D.)

Condition report:

This hu vase is in very good condition.

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