Project Description
This style of terracotta vase, dated to the Han Dynasty, is known as a cocoon vase. This style of vase was very popular in the earlier years of the Han Dynasty, but dwindled in popularity as time went on, nearly falling out of use by the end of the dynasty. This style of vase has also been referred to as a “duck-egg jar”, and would have been used as a vessel for holding wine. The base of this grey, earthenware vase is unglazed and its body is striped with vertical bands.The wide ovoid body of the vase made it ideal for holding large amounts of liquid and the flared lip aided in pouring. Many of the vases of this type, however, have been found in tombs, implying that they were used for ritualistic purposes, rather than everyday use.
-Charla Hamilton, Class of 2015