The ‘Hill Jar’ is a distinctive type of Han dynasty tomb pottery. It is named after the peaks on the lid, which represent the sacred mountains of Daoist tradition. Such jars may symbolise the mourners’ wish that the deceased would reach these blessed mountains and attain immortality.

The various moulded animal figures applied to the jar refer to aspects of Daoism. On the lid are symbols of the four cardinal directions: the green dragon of the east (yang); the vermillion bird of the south (yang); the white tiger of the west (yin); and the dark warrior of the north, an entwined tortoise and snake (yin). Around the body are six tigers, associated in Daoism with shadow, water and the west, shown here above stylised waves. The three feet are in the form of bears, symbolic of protection.

The exact purpose of these jars is unknown. They are similar in form to a contemporary type of incense burner, and both derive from bronze prototypes. The green colour is perhaps intended to imitate the bronze original, and was achieved by mixing copper with the lead glaze.

Provenance: Duke’s, Dorchester, 18 November 2016, lot. 14; Accepted in lieu of Inheritance tax by HM Government from the estate of Anthony du Boulay in 2024 and allocated to the Winchester College Treasury Museum

Location: Treasury, Gallery 2