Mee Lee

Unknown

Well

private collection

This slant-neck ceramic jug was excavated from the Erlitou site in Yanshi, Henan Province, China, dating approximately from 1750 to 1530 BC, corresponding to the late Xia Dynasty to the early Shang period. The vessel is made of gray pottery, featuring a rounded body and a slanted neck, with a unique double lacing and a complete arc-shaped handle. Its surface is adorned with delicate engraved textures, reflecting exquisite pottery craftsmanship. Erlitou culture is widely regarded as one of the key evidences of Xia dynasty civilization. Such pottery jugs were likely used for holding water and wine in daily life, and they may also have served as ritual vessels in religious ceremonies. The slanted neck design not only enhances functionality but also demonstrates the aesthetic concepts and technical level of early Central Plains culture, making it an important material proof for exploring the origins of ancient Chinese civilization.

None