Title
Tripod censer with cover
Year/Period
Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 CE)
Region
China
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: H24.3 x Dia19.4 cm
Accession No.
C-1385
Collection of
Credit Line
Purchased with funds from The Shaw Foundation
This olive-green glazed jar has a cylindrical body with three legs in the shape of bears. The lid is moulded into a shape of a mountain with surrounding peaks. Also known as 'boshan' or magic mountain, this three-dimensional form of landscape reflects the change from decorative to a more realistic representation of motifs in the later Bronze Age. The body is carved with a moulded frieze depicting various creatures in a mountainous landscape. This type of earthenware vessel was popular duing the Han dynasty. The custom of making 'mingqi' or burial wares was an ancient practice. It was believed that these were necessary for the deceased in the next world. Large groups of burial wares were a display of wealth and social status.
