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 next.
- (H.813)
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