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Covered box for food
Covered box for food

Covered box for food

Place of OriginNorthern China
DynastyEastern Han period (25-220)
MaterialsGray low-fired ceramic with molded low-relief decoration and green lead glaze
DimensionsH. 7 1/8 in x W. 7 1/2 in x L. 16 3/4 in, H. 18 cm x W. 19 cm x L. 42.5 cm
Credit LineThe Avery Brundage Collection
Object numberB60P442.a-.b
DepartmentChinese Art
ClassificationsCeramics
On View
Not on view
More Information
Vessels of this shape from the Han period are referred to as ke, after a character found written on an excavated piece (WW 1987.6: 50). Wooden rectangular boxes of the Warring States period—either lacquered or painted—are particularly striking. Ceramic boxes of this type have been found in tombs dating from the middle Western Han through the third century AD in most northern provinces. Used as food containers by all classes, most boxes were made from gray clay, some painted black or lead-glazed.