This bronze fang hu is notable for its elegant
simplicity. Such a vessel would have functioned
as a ritual container for the storage and
transportation of sumptuous wines. This refined
fang hu is essentially unadorned, save for two
decorative Tao Tieh mask handles that have
been attached to the swelling body. These
stylized animals represent a type of dragon
found in Chinese mythology. Their abstracted
representation demonstrates, as well as the
incised patterns, the influence of previous
styles such as the Zhou Dynasty. A lid caps this
fang hu, embellished with four abstract
“handles” that appear to be highly stylized
birds. Over the ages, the bronze has acquired a
fabulous patina of green hues, adding both
delightful colors and pleasing textures to this
otherwise sparsely adorned vessel. Such a work,
forged from bronze, would have been the
treasured possession of an elite member of the
social hierarchy. Quite simply, only a court
nobility of wealthy merchants could afford such
a luxury. Although this vessel would have
served 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 Han Dynasty, both in this world and the
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