DISCOVERART

China

Rectangular Wellhead

Han dynasty (206 B.C.–A.D. 220), 1st century B.C./A.D.
Gray earthenware with molded decoration
16.5 × 12 cm (6.5 × 4.7 in)

SEE IT IN PERSON

Not currently on view

In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

View at artic.edu ↗Plan a visit ↗

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

The slits cut into opposite sides of this wellhead (a structure that covers a well) were originally fitted with beams to support the roof. The sides visible here depict creatures of this world and the hereafter: a tiger, a camel, and an archer (perhaps an immortal) aiming at a dragon. The back is molded with a dragon and tiger.

Source ↗

Be the first to share your thoughts.

Sign in to join the discussion.

Community guidelines

More by China

Spinning Cloth, Preparing Tea Leaves, Preparing SilkSpinning Cloth, Preparing Tea Leaves, Preparing SilkSpinning Cloth, Preparing Tea Leaves, Preparing SilkSpinning Cloth, Preparing Tea Leaves, Preparing SilkPair of Hall ChairsPair of Hall ChairsPicturePictureSpinning Cloth, Preparing Tea Leaves, Preparing SilkSpinning Cloth, Preparing Tea Leaves, Preparing SilkCouch-BedCouch-BedDish with Peaches and BatsDish with Peaches and BatsSpinning Cloth, Preparing Tea Leaves, Preparing SilkSpinning Cloth, Preparing Tea Leaves, Preparing Silk

More like this

Cylindrical Jar with Three Bear-Shaped Feet and Mountain-Shaped CoverChina; probably Shaanxi province — Cylindrical Jar with ThreTripod Cylindrical Jar (Lian or Zun) with Creatures Amid Hills, Bear-Shaped FeetChina, probably Shaanxi province — Tripod Cylindrical Jar (LTripod Cauldron (Ding)China probably from Shaanxi province — Tripod Cauldron (DinWide-Mouthed Jar with Raised Motif of a Man Attacked by a FelineMoche — Wide-Mouthed Jar with Raised Motif of a Man AttackedCovered Food ContainerChina Probably from Qishan, Shaanxi province — Covered FoodWine ContainerChina Shaanxi province — Wine ContainerFooted JarChina, possibly Henan province — Footed JarBencharong (Five-Colored) Ware, Jar with Tiered CoverChina, for the Thai Market — Bencharong (Five-Colored) Ware,Granary (Cang)China, probably Henan province — Granary (Cang)Architectural Panel with ParrotsIndonesia Java — Architectural Panel with ParrotsCasketItalian — CasketCovered BowlKorea — Covered Bowl