A large Chinese Green Glazed Hu, Eastern Han Dynasty, 25 - 220 CE

Of baluster form with flaring neck and dish-shaped mouth, the shoulder with twin molded taotie mask below rings that suggest a handle; on a continuous decorative band of mythical animals and equestrian archers, possibly a battle scene.  

Background: The first pottery to survive in appreciable quantity belongs to the Han Dynasty; with the most common form being the hu. These baluster shaped vases were copied from bronze vessels of the same name and sometimes decorated with relief ornament in frieze that was taken directly from a bronze original. The main center for production of Han glazed ware was already shifting to the Zhejiang region, formerly known as Yue. Yue ware kilns of the eastern Han, produced a hard stoneware, often imitating the shapes of bronze vessels and decorated with impressed, bronze-like designs under a thin olive glaze. The vessels have a stoneware body and an olive or brownish-green glaze and belong to the family of celadons, a term that looms large in any discussion of early Chinese wares. It is applied to glazes ranging from the olive of Yue to the deep green of later varieties. These colors were the result of a wash of slip containing a high proportion of iron that was put over the body before glazing. The iron interacted with the glaze during firing and colored it. 

Condition:  Intact and in excellent condition overall, the green glaze with large areas of silvery patina and scattered surface encrustation. 

Dimensions: Height: 14 inches (35.5 cm)

Provenance: Sam Hilu collection, NYC.