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Hill jar: C.47-1934

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Current Location: Gallery 28 - Arts of Asia Gallery

Maker(s)

Maker: Unknown

Entities

Categories

Description

Cylindrical earthenware hill jar, resting on three low feet in the shape of what may be squatting bears. Glossy bright green lead glaze once covered vessel. The soft lead glaze has degraded in burial, and taken on a silvery iridescence. Bands of moulded reliefs decorate the jar. Upper band of saw toothed mountains (?) encircle mouth. Main bands contain numerous quadrapeds and possible human forms. Recognizable images include walking monkeys, flying tigers, dragons, chimeras, and the "Pathian shot" motif.
Two animal masks, which simulate ring handles, were produced from moulds. The ring handles, crispness of potting, sharp edges and fine grain smoothness of clay all indicate a metal prototype. Flat base and interior are glazed. Chips on feet reveal terracotta coloured biscuit.

Small chips on mouth rim and base of feet where spurs adhered in firing process. Presumably triple prong shape of support caused "stain" marks on interior of jar.

Notes

History note: Unknown before seller

Legal notes

Bought with the Glaisher Fund

Measurements and weight

Height: 15.8 cm
Width: 19.2 cm

Acquisition and important dates

Method of acquisition: Bought (1934) by Brangwyn, Frank

Dating

Han Dynasty (BC 206 - AD 220)
Circa -0206 - 220

Materials used in production

Lead-glaze
Earthenware

Techniques used in production

Lead-glazed
Relief

References and bibliographic entries

Identification numbers

Accession number: C.47-1934
Primary reference Number: 75215
Brangwyn: 4

Audit data

Created: Saturday 6 August 2011 Updated: Monday 22 April 2024

Associated departments & institutions

Owner or interested party: The Fitzwilliam Museum
Associated department: Applied Arts

Citation for print

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The Fitzwilliam Museum (2025) "Hill jar" Web page available at: https://collection.beta.fitz.ms/id/object/75215 Accessed: 2025-12-05 17:50:33

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