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Han Bronze Hu - FZ.349
Origin: China
Circa: 206 BC to 220 AD
Dimensions: 11" (27.9cm) high
Collection: Chinese
Style: Han Dynasty
Medium: Bronze

Location: United States

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Description

Three bands of decoration cover the belly of this urn that stands on a flared base and contracts at the neck. The decorative bands that are spaced over the belly of the urn represent shapes of abstracted animals intertwined in a swastika-like design. From the neck, the urn slightly extends outward with half-inch wide decorative band applied just below the ridge of the mouth. Both sides of the shoulder have animal shaped handles with rings attached. Known as taotie, these images of a mystical tiger/dragon/bird creature date back to ancient times as the motif evolved into becoming a standard feature of bronze décor. The taotie pattern assures that the powers of the animal world have been correctly ritualized.

This vessel was most likely used to hold wine in rituals and ceremonies. It is also true that members of high society interred possessions of daily life to accommodate the deceased in his or her underground refuge and accompany the soul on its journey to the other world. - (FZ.349)

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