This olive-green glazed jar has a cylindrical body with three legs in the shape of bears. The lid is moulded into a shape of a mountain with surrounding peaks. Also known as 'boshan' or magic mountain, this three-dimensional form of landscape reflects the change from decorative to a more realistic representation of motifs in the later Bronze Age. The body is carved with a moulded frieze depicting various creatures in a mountainous landscape. This type of earthenware vessel was popular duing the Han dynasty. The custom of making 'mingqi' or burial wares was an ancient practice. It was believed that these were necessary for the deceased in the next world. Large groups of burial wares were a display of wealth and social status.
