Vessel (fang hu)

The fang hu (square hu) was a common shape for hu vessels during the Zhou dynasty (approx. 1100 bce–221 ce) and served as a shape for archaistic vessels in jade and in metal during the Song, Ming, and Qing dynasties. Rectangular, rather than square, in section, this vessel was ideal for cutting in jade. This example is made from a mottled gray jade of the type known as Han jade during the reign of the Qianlong emperor because of its antique appearance. Some of the coloration might have been enhanced by dyeing. The shape is based on Ming dynasty archaistic vessels, while the decoration is definitely later. Somewhat more roughly cut than would be expected from the workshops of the Qianlong emperor, this piece can be dated to the end of eighteenth or early part of the nineteenth century.

A pair of ring handles held in the mouths of beasts decorate the narrow sides while one broader side of the neck is decorated with an interpretation of Zhou dynasty decor. Blade shapes flank a band of curvilinear motifs loosely based on designs found on jades and bronzes of the late Spring and Autumn Period and Warring States Period. A disintegrated taotie mask with archaized rather than archaistic features occupies the broader face of the body. It is surrounded by a diamond background that is more closely related to Song and Ming motifs than any from the Bronze Age.