Large Green Glazed Earthenware Jar With Taotie Masks, Han Dynasty, China

Westen Han dynasty (202 BC - 9 AD)

This large Hu attracts one's attention by its glowing and glossy drak green glaze, which is the most classic from Han dynasty. The body is divided into three parts by incised lines around the mouth, neck and shoulder. On either side of the shoulder, there is a Taotie relief with fine details. Such bronze imitated ceramic vessels are typical burial objects developed since Warring States. The low fired lead based green glaze became popular in Han dynasty, which is poisonous and not suitable for daily use. However, its high esthetics demonstrated by the pure green colour is a milestone of Chinese early glazed ceramics which are fairly collecable as home decoration and historic souvenir.