Minneapolis Institute of Art

Hu (ritual storage vessel)

China

Date

1st–2nd century CE

Medium

Stoneware with green glaze over molded decoration

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

The earliest lead glazed pottery has been found in the tombs of Middle Western Han. This was a revolutionary ware in that it marked the beginning of controlled colored glazes, primarily green, yellow, and brown. The term lead glaze refers to the addition of lead flux to the glaze compound which lowers the melting point of the glaze thereby speeding up the firing process. The hu shown to the left is brown glazed and, like this example, molded with a lively hunting scene around its shoulder. The shapes and lead glaze colors shown here are typical of Han storage jars made specifically for tomb burial. They contained nourishment for the afterlife. China, Asia

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