Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty Pottery Vessel - 25 cm

Han cocoon vat: high 25 cm, width 40 cm, diameter 25 cm.

Rare Cocoon-vat (Hu) – Han Dynasty, 206 BCE – 220 CE – Terracotta with original painted decoration
Description:
A rare and characteristic cocoon vase (cocoon jar) from the Han dynasty, made of terracotta and featuring original hand-painted decoration. This type of grave artifact is typical of burial practices in the Han period, in which people believed that objects from daily life could accompany the deceased in the afterlife.

The vessel has a globular body with a narrow foot and a short, flaring neck. The painted decoration – consisting of red and ochre pigments – forms stylized patterns that are applied symmetrically over the surface. This paint was applied directly onto the baked earthenware, without glaze, which was common for ritual and funerary ceramics of this period. The decorations remain partly visible despite their age and greatly contribute to the piece’s aesthetic and archaeological value.

Condition:
Good condition given its age. Signs of superficial erosion and pigment loss. Small damage to the rim of the opening (see detail photo). No visible cracks or restorations.

Form:
The cocoon vase (cocoon jar) has a unique and immediately recognizable shape, with a nearly egg-shaped or oval, flattened belly reminiscent of a silkworm cocoon – from which it takes its name. The broad, rounded shoulders slope gently to a narrow foot, while the short, cylindrical neck terminates in a slightly outward-turned rim. This type of vessel lacks handles or protrusions, placing emphasis entirely on the closed, self-contained form. This form is typical for ritual vessels of the early Han dynasty and is mainly found in tomb contexts. The silkworm cocoon in ancient China was associated with transformation, rebirth, and the cyclical nature of life — themes that strongly align with the burial rites of the time. In Han culture there was a deeply rooted belief in life after death, with the tomb regarded as a new 'home' for the soul. The cocoon vase thus possibly symbolized protection and renewal. Moreover, the horizontally oriented shape somewhat recalls wine or liquid containers, suggesting that this type of vessel may have been intended as a symbolic holder for food or drink offerings — not for daily use, but for the deceased in the afterlife. The flowing, symmetrical curves of the vase also demonstrate the high level of technical mastery of Han potters. The form was often the canvas for painted decorations, such as on this specimen, which were carefully and repetitively applied to the curvature to reinforce its ritual character.