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Tripod Cylindrical Vessel

Chinese

Artwork Details

Tripod Cylindrical Vessel
25-220
Chinese
earthenware with lead glaze
6 1/2 in x 7 3/4 in (16.5 cm x 19.7 cm)
Museum purchase for the Paul Leroy Grigaut Memorial Collection
1969/2.86

Description

Subject Matter:

A red earthenware lian (奁) or hill-shaped incense burning vessel, missing the lid, with molded designs of Central Asian lions and beasts running through a mountainous landscape. It is similar to examples casted in bronze from the Zhou through Tang dynasties. Burning incense was a common practice during the Han dynasty to expel evil spirits.  

Physical Description:

Red earthenware cylindrical vessel on three zoomorphic feet, molded in low relief with hills and running animals, covered in a lead green glaze with iridescence and calcification.

Usage Rights:

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