Cocoon jar

Title

Cocoon jar

Year/Period

Han dynasty (206 BCE-220 CE)

Region

China

Object Type

mingqi, jars

Technique

The body of the jar was probably burnished and fired. Decorations were then painted on the biscuit. These unfired pigments were not permanent and wore-off easily.

Dimension

Object size: H: 30.9 cm,
Gross measurement: Dia,
of body: 35.0 cm,
Gross measurement: Dia,
of mouth: 13.1 cm

Accession No.

1991-00916

Collection of

Asian Civilisations Museum

This hand-painted cocoon jar also known as 'yadanhu' (duck's egg jar) is a 'mingqi' or burial ware. The body has a horizontal oval shape with rounded ends. The neck is raised and flares to form the mouth rim. The foot rim is similarly raised and flares slightly. It is decorated in white and pink pigments comprising swirling cloud patterns interspersed with vertical lines. Three circular bands of white and pink pigments are found on the neck.The practice of using lead-glazed burial wares had already started during the Han dynasty and it continued into the Ming period (1368-1644). The custom of burying objects with the deceased stems from the belief in life after death.