Mee Lee

Unknown

Well

private collection

This "Han Dynasty Painted Long-necked Pot" was produced during the Han Dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD), showcasing the highly mature and richly varied forms and decorations of Han pottery. The body is made of gray pottery, shaped with a long neck, round belly, and slightly narrowed base, presenting a harmonious and plump proportion. The lines from the neck to the mouth are smooth, creating a stable and elegant visual effect.

The surface of the pot features red and black banding as well as triangular geometric patterns, complemented by partial white decoration. The painting style balances simplicity with liveliness. The prominent red triangular facets on the neck are both decorative and enhance the overall vertical tension of the piece. Fluid abstract cloud patterns and lines are painted on the shoulder and belly, along with small three-dimensional beast-shaped ornaments, which evoke the imaginative and mysterious qualities of Han art. Such pots were commonly used for serving wine, providing water, and also as grave goods, symbolizing comfort, wealth, and blessings for the afterlife.

The painted long-necked pot exemplifies the craftsmanship and aesthetic standards of the Han Dynasty, merging realism with abstraction, functionality with aesthetic appreciation, making it an important specimen for studying Han society, culture, religious beliefs, and ways of life.

None