This kuan has a pi-disc shaped mouth and a
sloping shoulder. The shoulder meets the belly
at a sharp angle, below which the belly tapers
towards the base. Opposite each other on the
shoulder are two raised mold-impressed loop-
handles with taotie animal-mask decor--a
formal characteristic associated with bronzes.
The shoulder is incised with three bowstring
patterns in intaglio. The upper half of the ware
is partially applied with thin yellowish-green
glaze while the lower half remains unglazed.
The ware is coarse and loose in texture,
reflective of Western Han greenware pottery
techniques. As part of the Yueh ware family, this
greenware vessel is one example of the vast and
varied range of vessel types embellished with
decorative designs and displaying a steadily
growing refinement of clay body and glaze
throughout China's history. Combining lifelike
art with practical function into one, the manner
of life and aesthetic styles of contemporary
society are revealed through this vessel's
construction. It surely provides us with a strong
impression of the vitality and creativity found
within Chinese artistic forms.
- (PF.4579)
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