Cultural Relic: Pottery He Gives You Surprise

At the first sight of the picture, what do you think it is? Three sweet potatoes? Actually, it is an ancient drinking vessel.

In Chinese, we call it taohe (pottery he). This he was made from pale gray clay, a color typical of the pottery of late phase Erlitou culture. The shape of this vessel, featuring three bag-like hollow legs, a spout facing upward and a handle on one side, is typical representative of the pottery he of Erlitou culture.

To achieve the effect of balance and stability, the side to which the handle is attached inclines a little inward, while the other side curves a little outward.

The vessel, with a smooth surface, was exquisitely made.

Copyright: A Journey into China’s Antiquity– Chinese History in Cultural Relics, Blossom Press

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