2012.91.60, Cocoon jar, painted ceramic
Eason Eige Collection; photo by B. Bernard
2012.91.60, Cocoon jar, painted ceramic
Eason Eige Collection; photo by B. Bernard
The shape of this jar's body imitates that of a silkworm cocoon. By Han times, the silk industry was an important source of wealth, and the cocoon shape was seen as a symbol of good fortune. The painted swirls are cloud-scrolls or yunwen and evoke the multiple meanings assigned to clouds by the ancient Chinese. Because clouds bring life-giving rain, one meaning of yunwen is good fortune. In this case, the painted design of the jar "means" the same thing as its shape.
The jar
measures 10 1/2 inches (27 cm) tall and 12 1/2 inches (32 cm) across.
See source code for copyright information. Page last revised on December 8, 2015. Please report problems to toh@unm.edu