Minneapolis Institute of Art

Hu (covered storage jar)

China

Date

2nd century BCE

Medium

Earthenware with traces of pigment

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

During the Han dynasty, food became both abundant and varied. Even the common people enjoyed great improvements in their standard of living. Han tombs nearly always included storage jars ( hu ) full of cereals and wine for the afterlife. This large, lidded jar painted in red, white and purple pigments with spiral patterns can be seen as a less expensive substitute for the similarly decorated lacquer containers that likely inspired its decor. China, Asia

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