VesselsChinese2nd millennium BCE

Spouted tripod ewer (he)

1900-1500 BCE

Description

Tall tripod ewer raised on three hollow pointed legs, with elongated neck, long strap handle braced with struts, hooded mouth with notched semicircular opening, and short tubular spout; variegated buff and light gray earthenware with incised decoration on the handle, a narrow band of notched decor at the join between the top of the neck and the “hood,” and three narrow applique bands at the waist. Erlitou culture; from the middle Yellow River valley region, probably from northwestern Henan or southern Shanxi province.

Classification

Vessels

Medium

Earthenware

Culture

Chinese

Period

Erlitou culture, c. 1900-1500 BCE

Century

2nd millennium BCE

Division

Asian and Mediterranean Art

Department

Department of Asian Art

Dimensions

H. 53.5 x W. 17 x D. 14.6 cm (21 1/16 x 6 11/16 x 5 3/4 in.)

Provenance

[J. J. Lally & Co., New York, 2003] sold; to Walter C. Sedgwick Foundation, Woodside, CA (2003-2006), partial gift; to Harvard University Art Museums, 2006.

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