Jar with animal-mask handles

Object Details

• Label

  This robust jar is representative of a type of high-temperature ceramic ware inspired by bronze shapes. The molded animal masks on the two raised handles underscore the jar's relationship to bronze vessel forms made for burial in the tombs of the elite.

  The jar, holding offerings for the afterlife, was also buried in a tomb, but it belongs to a tradition of sturdy storage containers and probably also saw ordinary household use.

• Collection

  National Museum of Asian Art Collection

• Exhibition History

  Honoring Friends: Recent Gifts by Members of the Freer and Sackler Galleries (June 10 to November 25, 2001)

• Origin

  China

• Credit Line

  Purchase — funds provided by the Friends of Asian Arts

• Type

  Vessel

• Restrictions and Rights

  Usage Conditions Apply

  There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.

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Keep Exploring

• Related Resources

  collections.si.edu

• Date

  200s

• Place

  China

• Topic

  Art, Han dynasty, 202 B.C.-220 A.D., Stoneware, Chinese Art, Ceramics

• Culture

  Chinese

• Object Type

  Vessels (containers)