Tripod Cylindrical Jar (Lian or Zun) with Creatures Amid Hills, Bear-Shaped Feet
Eastern Han dynasty (A.D. 25–220)
Medium
Earthenware with lead green glaze
Dimensions
18.5 × 24.8 cm ( × 9 3/4 in.); Diam.: 24.8 cm (9 3/4 in.)
Classification
ceramics
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
57678
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Vessels like this are often called "hill jars" since many have conical covers shaped in rising peaks. "Squatting-bear" feet and monster-mask ring handles are common features. This jar has been mold-impressed in two relief bands depicting hills populated with real and imaginary creatures. Wispy elflike figures are associated with immortals (xian), who were thought to dwell in mountain paradises. Such relief designs provide intriguing evidence of early landscapes painted on more perishable paper a...
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...