Han Dynasty Funerary Hu Vase

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Price £495 (GBP)

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Item Details

  • Size

    39cm(H) x 21cm(W) / 1'3"(H) x 8"(W)

  • Condition

    Excellent

    Minor surface cracks and marks

  • Full Description

    Han Dynasty Funerary Hu Vase

    206 B.C-220 A.D

    Grey pottery vase of hu form with chamfered corners, narrow neck opening out gracefully to expanded pear shaped midsection, and sharply flared tall base; imitation rings attached via pseudo taotie masks flank two sides. Imitation of an archaic bronze vessel used to contain wine or water. This piece would have served a funerary purpose; many similar replica's of a wide range of utensils and containers have been found in Han tombs, constituting a distinct type of 'mingqi' or funerary offering, intended to accompany and serve the deceased in the next world.

    For similar example cf. Spirit of Han (1991) 18