Artwork Page for Bird-shaped Urn

Details / Information for Bird-shaped Urn

Bird-shaped Urn

2650–2350 BCE

Northwest China, Neolithic period, Majiayao culture, Banshan phase

(2650–2350 BCE)
Medium
earthenware with slip-painted decoration
Measurements
Overall: 26.7 x 31.1 x 27.9 cm (10 1/2 x 12 1/4 x 11 in.)
Credit Line
Gift of Dr. Norman Zaworski in honor of Dr. Ju-hsi Chou 2007.276
Public Domain
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Location
241A Arts of Ancient China
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Did You Know?

This abstract vessel may be imagined as a bird with feathers painted on the body.

Description

An imaginative shape and abstract curvilinear patterns lend delightful charm to this functional jar. Its fine-grained body has a light reddish color due to the iron content in the clay, achieved by ensuring abundant air in the kiln during the firing. The surfaces were burnished before applying the painted decoration in black and red.
A bulbous, bird-shaped ceramic vessel tapers to a conical, unpainted tan base. Dark and reddish-brown slip coats the upper section with sweeping, curved bands that enclose intricate grid patterns and teardrop motifs resembling feathers. An off-center, wide neck sits atop the vessel, covered in fine cross-hatching. A small handle projects forward, balanced by a sharp, pointed tail extending on the left, completing the stylized avian form.

Bird-shaped Urn

2650–2350 BCE

Northwest China, Neolithic period, Majiayao culture, Banshan phase (2650–2350 BCE)

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