Collection
/
Asian Art

Hill Jar and Cover

206 B.C.E.–220 C.E.

1 of 2

Object Label

This jar might represent either Mount Bo or Mount Kunlun, two sacred Daoist mountains, and evokes the journey of the deceased to the immortal realms. The Animals of the Four Directions (sishen) that provide celestial navigation are strategically placed in the undulating peaks of the mountain. The legs of the vessel are formed by auspicious bears, which were popular in Han-dynasty art for their protective power; one crouching bear clutches her cubs tightly while grinning. The mythical beasts include deer, symbolizing longevity, and the figure of an immortal chasing a tiger.

Caption

Hill Jar and Cover, 206 B.C.E.–220 C.E.. Earthenware with lead glaze, 11 1/2 x 8 3/4 in. (29.2 x 22.2 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchase gift of Dr. Bertram H. Schaffner, Mr. and Mrs. Milton F. Rosenthal, Mr. and Mrs. Greg Fitz-Gerald, and Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Poster, Helen Babbott Sanders Fund, Charles Stewart Smith Memorial Fund, Caroline A.L. Pratt Fund, and Caroline H. Polhemus Fund, 1995.49a-b. (Photo: Brooklyn Museum)

Collection

Asian Art

Title

Hill Jar and Cover

Date

206 B.C.E.–220 C.E.

Dynasty

Han Dynasty

Period

Han Dynasty

Geography

Place made: China

Medium

Earthenware with lead glaze

Classification

Ceramic

Dimensions

11 1/2 x 8 3/4 in. (29.2 x 22.2 cm)

Credit Line

Purchase gift of Dr. Bertram H. Schaffner, Mr. and Mrs. Milton F. Rosenthal, Mr. and Mrs. Greg Fitz-Gerald, and Mr. and Mrs. Robert L. Poster, Helen Babbott Sanders Fund, Charles Stewart Smith Memorial Fund, Caroline A.L. Pratt Fund, and Caroline H. Polhemus Fund

Accession Number

1995.49a-b

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