Cylindrical Container with Cover (Lian)

100 BCE–100 CE
(202 BCE–220 CE)
Diameter: 16 cm (6 5/16 in.); Overall: 17.2 cm (6 3/4 in.)
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Description

This magnificent gilded bronze vessel with openwork decoration shows all kinds of fabulous creatures, real and imaginary, chasing each other among swirling scrolls. There is an emphasis on the unbroken rhythms of movement, rather than the ferocity of animals in combat. Cylindrical bronze vessels in this shape, called lian, were often used as cosmetic boxes.
Cylindrical Container with Cover (Lian)

Cylindrical Container with Cover (Lian)

100 BCE–100 CE

China, Han dynasty (202 BCE–220 CE)

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