‘HU’ VASE FOR CEREAL WINE

Description Vases of this kind were produced in large quantities in the Chu Kingdom. They are characterised by a rather broad foot and are distinguished by their banded decoration with finely engraved details, separated by two hollow lines in the centre of smooth bands. This specimen retains its interlocking domed lid, with three laminar and vertically perforated elements. Two movable rings, also engraved with mixtilinear designs, are attached to the shoulders of the vase by two zoomorphic masks (pushou). Five decorative bands, from shoulder to foot, are composed of triangles framing volutes and bordere by decorated ribbons. At the top, above the shoulder, a row of triangles make the neck of the vessel appear more slender. Despite its harmony, the container has slight imperfections that suggest a funerary use.