The Antiquarian at Greenwich

Chinese Coccon Vessel Han Dynasty or Later Earthenware with Pigment

This painted earthenware likely was a funerary offering in a Han Dynasty tomb, one of a suite of goods that accompanied the deceased into the afterlife. The vessel rests on a raised foot ring and its narrow neck suggest it was meant to held liquids, perhaps wine, to accompany the deceased on their journey. It’s barrel-shaped form represents a silkworm’s cocoon, referencing the importance of the silk industry to the Han Dynasty economy. The vessel is decorated with a repeating cloud-scroll (yunwen) motif, evoking the celestial realm and the Taoist immortal paradise.
Circa: Han Dynasty 202 BC – 25–220 AD
Dimensions: H: 12 in. x W: 13½ in. x D: 8 in.