Minneapolis Institute of Art

Lifan amphora

China

Date

1st century BCE - 1st century CE

Medium

Burnished pottery

Department

Asian Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

This hand built amphora has a unique and elegant shape. Round at the base, divided into four raised spiralling sections at the body, two long handles extending to the mouth and neck which have been squared off. Small incised lines at the neck and around the spirals give definition to the design. The interplay of simple shapes make this jar feel very modern. Many of these pots were made and yet the design details remain the same; the MIA has three nearly identical jars. The same design occurs in smaller sizes and examples can be found in many museums. China, Asia

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