Jar (hu) with chariot scene

This hu, or wine jar, tells a story about war. The widest section of the jar is decorated with an image of a one-horse-drawn chariot, the kind that would be used in warfare. The era in which this jar was made was marked by conflicts between the Han Chinese and the pastoral nomads from the Northeast Central Asian steppes. Chariots offered their users the advantage of mobility during battles, and were often equipped with large wheels like the ones seen on this example. Made to be buried in a grave, this jar may reference conflicts that occurred during the deceased’s lifetime. In their afterlife, the military strength associated with the chariot protects and comforts the deceased.

– Keyang Zhao ’25, Curatorial Intern