A superbly conceived design; jars of this general type have been found in tombs dating as far back as the Spring and Autumn Period (770-475 BC) and are thought by many archaeologists to be anthropomorphic, based on the female human form. 

This particular example was made some 2,000 years ago during the Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 220). The "swirls" are particularly well defined and there are bands of fine incised decoration to both sides of the neck and each handle is decorated with a spiral pattern. At the top of each handle is a "dimple". The base is a little different than on many known examples, being quite wide and almost totally flat. The surface is very smooth, having been finely burnished, although there is minor surface wear in places.

Height 17 cm. There appears to be a small discreet repair to a small part of one side of the mouth, also possibly at the base of one handle (not at all obvious to the untrained eye). Overall, a lovely example in fine condition.

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