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Pian hu (“pilgrim’s flask”)

Chinese

Artwork Details

Pian hu (“pilgrim’s flask”)
206 BCE - 220 CE
Chinese
bronze with brown patina
11 1/16 x 12 3/8 x 3 1/8 in. (28.2 x 31.5 x 8.0 cm)
Transfer from the College of Architecture and Design
1972/2.96A&B

Description

By the Han dynasty, bronze objects were cast less for ceremonial purposes than for practical use. This flask, possibly derived from a leather prototype, was used during journeys on horseback.

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