This Hu has a pear shaped body which swells at
the belly above a flared circular base and
contracts at the neck. From the neck, the vessel
flares out forming a wide mouth decorated on
the side with a plain band. A second band
divides the mouth and upper belly, and a third
band appears accross the center of the belly
below two taotie mask handles. During the Han
Dynasty, the tradition of casting bronze vessels
for use in ritual ceremonies continued. By this
time, the shapes of vessels had become
canonized and subject to many stylistic
restrictions. However, technological advances
had enabled foundries to increase production,
making them more accessible to wealthy
patrons. This Hu is classified as a wine holding
vessel, serving an important role in the indulgent
lifestyle of the wealthy and the rites and ritual of
the Han.
- (H.038)
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