Square-Sectioned Jar (Fanghu)
Western Han dynasty, 206 BCE–9 CE
Medium
Gray earthenware with polychrome pigments
Dimensions
43.8 × 19.5 × 19.5 cm (17 1/4 × 7 11/16 × 7 11/16 in.)
Classification
earthenware
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
180536
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
The squared shape and vibrantly painted decoration of this jar imitates those of bronze and lacquer vessels. Its images of monster-mask ring handles duplicate, in larger scale, functional fittings in bronze. When excavated from Han tombs, some clay jars of this type were found to contain grain offerings provided for the deceased as part of the funerary rites.
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...