Model of a stove
Unknown Artist
1st–2nd century
Medium
Earthenware with green glaze
Dimensions
H. 4 7/8 in. (12.4 cm); W. 7 in. (17.8 cm); L. 9 1/2 in. (24.1 cm)
Classification
Tomb Pottery
Culture & Period
China · Han dynasty (206 B.C.–A.D. 220)
Department
Asian Art
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Gift of Paul E. Manheim, 1966
Accession Number
66.182.1
Art Historical Context
This charming model of a stove, crafted during China's Han dynasty (206 B.C.–A.D. 220), offers a glimpse into everyday life over 2,000 years ago. Made of earthenware coated in a vibrant green glaze, measures a compact 4⅞ inches high, 7 inches wide, and 9½ inches long—perfectly scaled for its ritual purpose. The glossy green finish, achieved through early lead-glazing techniques, was a Han innovation that protected the clay and added a lively, jewel-like sheen, marking a pivotal advancement in Chinese ceramics. As tomb pottery (mingqi), this piece was buried with the deceased to furnish their ...