Fine Large Chinese Qin / Han Dynasty Burnished Pottery Cocoon Jar

This wonderfully-shaped pottery jar was made during the early part of the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 8) or possibly as early as the Qin Dynasty (221 - 206 BC). This type of jar is often referred to as a "cocoon jar" due to the shape of its body. The shape, named after its similarity to the silkworm cocoon, evolved during the late Warring States period (475 - 221 BC) and then generally died out by the middle of the Western Han Dynasty. Cocoon jars were used for the storage of grain.

It is made from a fine-grained grey pottery that is relatively highly-fired. It has a finely-burnished surface, very smooth to the touch and has been decorated with nine bands of double-incised lines vertically surrounding the body as well as raised horizontal bands around its neck and base. Interestingly, on part of the shoulder and rim are thick corroded iron (rust) deposits that can only have come from an iron object laying alongside the jar during its extended burial. To the lower body there are also "calcified" surface deposits from its long burial.

A large Han Dynasty "Cocoon" jar is certainly a design classic and can look stunning in a modern setting as well as part of a collection of ancient Chinese pottery.

Height 31 cm, length 36 cm. This is a very good example in fine condition with just minor repair and chips to the vulnerable edge of the foot.

For reference: almost identical examples are illustrated and described in the Southeast Asian Ceramic Society (SEACS) book "Spirit of Han", as well as other publications. The "cocoon" jar is one of the most recognisable and desirable forms of Han Dynasty pottery and most museum collections will include at least one example.

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