Artwork Page for Owl-shaped Jar

Details / Information for Owl-shaped Jar

Owl-shaped Jar

206 BCE–9 CE

China, Henan province, Western Han dynasty

(206 BCE–8 CE)
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Medium
Amber-brown glazed low-fired pottery
Measurements
Overall: 19 x 11.9 x 13.4 cm (7 1/2 x 4 11/16 x 5 1/4 in.)
Credit Line
Nancy F. and Joseph P. Keithley Collection Gift 2020.178.2
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
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Did You Know?

The jar cover is modeled in the shape of an owl's head.

Description

Pottery vessels in the shape of owls were made since Neolithic times and throughout the Bronze age. These jars in the form of vigilant owls may have provided a tomb occupant with grain in the afterlife. However, the meaning of these mysterious birds and the association of the owl motif with burial sites in China is not fully understood.
A mottled amber-brown ceramic vessel shaped like an owl features a rounded body and removable head lid. Large circular eyes and a hooked beak define the face, accented with yellow and cream tones. Carved, overlapping patterns representing feathers decorate the wings. Naturalistic, the owl has an upright posture and a pitted, textured surface. Exposed reddish-orange clay is visible at the neck and base, contrasting with the blotchy glaze.

Owl-shaped Jar

206 BCE–9 CE

China, Henan province, Western Han dynasty (206 BCE–8 CE)

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