Mee Lee

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private collection

This "Han Dynasty Beast-Shaped Three-Legged Covered Pot" was made during the Han Dynasty in China (206 BCE – 220 CE) and is a representative work of Han pottery that combines animal forms with practical structures. During the Han period, pottery developed a rich variety of shapes and decorations for both daily life and funerary objects, reflecting the maturity of craftsmanship and the diverse evolution of aesthetic values at that time.

The vessel is made of gray pottery, designed uniquely, with a rounded body resting on three slender legs, providing a stable structure suitable for use. The neck is elegantly decorated, and the abdomen features intricate carvings that enhance texture and visual depth. The most striking aspect is the animal-head shape created at the mouth and lid (resembling either a phoenix or beast), which is lively and rhythmical, showcasing the Han Dynasty's reverence for nature and interest in anthropomorphic artistic expression. The lower edge of the neck is adorned with a circle of droplet-shaped embellishments, emphasizing the three-dimensional decorative effect, which may also relate to meanings of protection and auspiciousness.

These three-legged beast-shaped covered pots were generally used for storage, serving food, rituals, or as burial items, possessing dual attributes of ritual and everyday life. They are a splendid reflection of Han pottery aesthetics and cultural spirit, both in terms of religious beliefs and social status symbolism.

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