DISCOVERART

China; probably from Henan province

Model of a Pigsty and Latrines

Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE), 100 BCE–100 CE
Gray earthenware with stamped decoration
21.6 × 27.9 cm (8.5 × 11 in)

SEE IT IN PERSON

● On view now — Gallery 133

Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · verified July 2026

View at artic.edu ↗Plan a visit ↗

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

Han-dynasty grave goods documented even the most mundane aspects of rural life. As illustrated here, latrines—or toilets—were customarily built above a pigsty and connected by pipes to a cesspool. The ar-chitectural style of this well-constructed object resembles models excavated from tombs in Huixian, a city in northern China.

Source ↗

Be the first to share your thoughts.

Sign in to join the discussion.

Community guidelines

More by China; probably from Henan province

Immortals Riding Dragons: Section of a Tomb PedimentImmortals Riding Dragons: Section of a Tomb PedimentImmortals Riding Dragons: Sections of a Tomb PedimentImmortals Riding Dragons: Sections of a Tomb Pediment

More like this

Pigsty with TowerChina — Pigsty with TowerFarm Shed with Grain MillChina — Farm Shed with Grain MillJar Depicting Mating RatsMoche — Jar Depicting Mating RatsHouse Model with Ritual FeastNayarit — House Model with Ritual FeastHouse Model Depicting a Ritual FeastNayarit — House Model Depicting a Ritual FeastMiniature Box on a Stand (Mingqi)China — Miniature Box on a Stand (Mingqi)Model of a Coffin with FiguresChina — Model of a Coffin with FiguresFunerary Cheek-Piercing RitualNayarit — Funerary Cheek-Piercing RitualStirrup Spout Vessel in Form of a Man Laying on a BirdMoche — Stirrup Spout Vessel in Form of a Man Laying on a BiJar in the Form of an Erotic SceneChimú-Inca — Jar in the Form of an Erotic SceneSquare Spouted Vessel with Parrot Molded on HandleMoche — Square Spouted Vessel with Parrot Molded on HandleLampAncient Roman — Lamp