Minneapolis Institute of Art

Jar

Vietnam

Date

c. 5th–2nd century BCE

Medium

Black earthenware with red pigments and impressed decor

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Iron age earthenware objects exhibit a number of local variations in south central Vietnam. The group shown here, when compared to other Sa Huyn ceramics, displays a finer workmanship; with balanced shapes, precise potting, neatly impressed and incised designs, carefully applied and partially burnished surfaces. The amount of decoration and the fact that all four jars were retrieved from the same burial indicates that they served a ritual or ceremonial purpose. More elaborate then everyday utilitarian ware, they likely held food for the deceased in the afterlife. In building the ancient Southeast Asian collections, the Asian department has relied heavily on private donors who have reacted quickly to market opportunities on behalf of the museum.

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