Yue Ware Spirit Jar (Hunping)
Western Jin dynasty (265-316)
Glazed ceramic
Gift of Heather S…

Images(3)

Vessel (Hunping)

ClassificationsFurnishings-Serviceware-vessels

Date265-316 CE

Made AtChina, Asia

MediumGlazed ceramic

Dimensions16 1/2 × 8 3/8 in. (41.9 × 21.3 cm)

Credit LineGift of Heather Sacre

Object number2000.65.2

DescriptionOriginally a type of tomb storage vessel made from four small jars grouped around a larger central one, Yue ware spirit jars such as this one (called hunping) eventually began to take on more elaborate shapes of buildings and living creatures. The birds and rats surrounding the vessel indicate a full granary and the Buddhas and musicians are associated with the underworld, indicating that the symbolism of the jar had already been greatly expanded by the time this was made.

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