Although the Warring States Period was marked by almost constant upheaval, it also represents a golden age of Chinese culture and thought. Needless to say, the arts continued to flourish as this exquisite terracotta Hu reveals. Such a vessel would have been used for storing, transporting, and serving fine wines. The gently flaring neck has been decorated with two bands of incised undulating lines that give the impression of the waves of the ocean. This pattern has been repeated along the shoulder and upper half of the body. The lower half of the vessel has been left unadorned and unglazed as is typical for this period. Two small handles have been attached, emerge from either side and are almost purely decorative, imitating functional handles seen on bronze examples. Although this vessel would have functioned as a wine container in life, it was found discovered buried in a tomb. A symbol for the bountiful pleasures of life, for drinking and feasting, this Hu would have represented the joys to be experienced in the afterlife and the feasts and celebrations yet to come. Today, this vessel is not only a gorgeous work of art, treasured for its history and rarity; but also a stunning reminder of the richness and luxury of the Ancient China, both in this world and the next. - (H.808)