The Han Dynasty was a key period of major importance in th development of Chinese ceramics, for among other innovations, glazed wares wer advanced to a new level of sophistication. Primarily, glazed wares took the for of aristocratic vessels made in imitation of bronzes whose decorative values fa outweighed their practical significance. However, ceramic vessels entered mor and more largely into everyday life and took the form of practical vessels fo everyday use.



Given its clear and shiny glaze, this brownish-green glaze pottery ewer is crafted in the style of the Eastern Han Dynasty. In a modifie version of a cocoon-shaped flask , this vessel has a horizontall oval-shaped belly with animal patterns on its upper side, a slightly flared ri at the mouth, and a tapered base. mask designs adorn both sides o the vessels as a scene of dragons moving across clouds is depicted around it body.


This vessel is representative of the trend in Easter Han ceramics to express the joy that people of the time took in their way o life, as well as their concern for life itself.