A green-glazed pottery food box and cover

The box constructed from gray earthenware and decorated with moulded low-relief decoration covered in a green lead glaze.

Catalogue notes: A similar box is currently in the Asian Art museum of San Francisco, Object Number: B60P442.a-.b. Vessels in this shape dating from the Han dynasty referred to as a ke, after a character found inscribed on an excavated example. Ceramic boxes of this type have been found in most northern provinces in tombs dating from the mid-Western Han to the third century AD. They would have been used as food containers by all social classes, and such boxes were mostly made from grey clay, some painted black or lead-glazed.

For a similar illustration, refer to He Li, Chinese ceramics the new standard guide, from the Asian Art museum of San Francisco, p. 75 item 73.

Condition: minor repair.