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Hen

Western Han dynasty (206 BCE–9 CE)
Not on view
Returned to lender
This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.
These chickens, together with the pairs of dogs and pigs on this table, and the horses, bovines, and goats on the next table, represent the six most common domesticated animals in ancient China. They were discovered at Yangling, the mausoleum complex of Emperor Jing (r. 157–141 B.C.). Historical texts indicate that tombs were meant to contain a generous supply of the same goods and utensils that served a living person, and this group of earthenware animals may have served as part of the food supply sustaining the emperor in his afterlife.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • 西汉 陶母鸡
  • Title: Hen
  • Period: Western Han dynasty (206 BCE–9 CE)
  • Culture: China
  • Medium: Earthenware with pigment
  • Dimensions: H. 4 3/4 in. (12 cm); L. 5 7/8 in. (15 cm)
  • Classification: Tomb Pottery
  • Credit Line: Lent by Shaanxi Provincial Institute of Archaeology
  • Curatorial Department: Asian Art