Art Institute of Chicago

Tripod Cylindrical Jar (Lian or Zun) with Creatures Amid Hills, Bear-Shaped Feet

China, probably Shaanxi province

Date

Eastern Han dynasty (A.D. 25–220)

Medium

Earthenware with lead green glaze

Culture

China

Department

Arts of Asia

Institution

Art Institute of Chicago

Vessels like this are often called "hill jars" since many have conical covers shaped in rising peaks. "Squatting-bear" feet and monster-mask ring handles are common features. This jar has been mold-impressed in two relief bands depicting hills populated with real and imaginary creatures. Wispy elflike figures are associated with immortals (xian), who were thought to dwell in mountain paradises. Such relief designs provide intriguing evidence of early landscapes painted on more perishable paper and silk.

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