Jar-shaped vessel
Accession no.: HLL-K-PT1493
Site: Huilai site
Height: 140.0 mm
Mouth diameter: 133.5 mm
Handle length: 44.2 mm
Handle diameter: 13.0 mm
This jar with lugs is made from fine sand clay. The color of the pottery is between reddish-brown and ash gray. The contracted mouth has oblique lip. On the lip is an irregular incised pattern. There is a ridge along the shoulder and a bridge-shaped handle below the ridge (only three of the original lugs remain, with four following restoration; this type of jar is also known as a jar with four lugs), which might have been used as a tether. Along the outside near the lip is a ripple pattern. Over the entire body below is a dotted pattern. The rows of dots run vertically and horizontally, as well as in a triangular orientation, creating a detailed and complicated pattern. The jar with four lugs was the most common type of celadon ware from the Han to the Tang dynasty, but is rare among prehistoric relics. Was this jar with four lugs found at the Huilai site influenced by trade with the Han Chinese? What did this type of jar contain? Why did a rope need to be attached? Was it hung up high? The investigation of this vessel is still in the exploratory stage.
