Western Han dynasty (206 BC-AD 25)
Height 39 cm, Width 40 cm
Excavated at Beimang Xiang, Xingyang, Henan Province. 1988  

Atop this vessel is a circular lid with a circular hole in it. The rear side of the body of the hu is flat; it has a thick neck, an oval body and a triangular base. The vessel's body features two intertwined snakes, and a thick band of rhomboid and cloud patterns encircle the lower section. Either side of the vessel features one of a symmetrical pair of beasts. A bear stands on the left, and a monster with a human head and a birds body stands on the right.The two creatures are playing with a serpent. The entire body of the vessel is decorated with white, black and red pigments.

Coloured potteries created by painting patterns with multiple pigmentations after firing were fragile and hence, easily broken. Segments were inclined to break apart easily and these ceramic wares were not suitable for practical purposes. Therefore, all painted ceramic wares belonging to the Han dynasty were Mingqi - funerary objects.