Han Dynasty, 206 BC-220 AD. A large ceramic bicolour vessel with pear-shaped bulbous body with flared base, tall neck with wide flared rim, raised circumferential band below the neck and to the body; two stylised lion masks with loops for handles to the shoulder, the face with lentoid eyes and applied pellets, incised ribs to the loops. 4.2 kg, 40cm (15 3/4"). Property of a North London gentleman; previously in a private collection formed in the 1990s; accompanied by a thermoluminescence certificate no. C118398 from Oxford Authentication. Hu jars were used for storage of wine and foodstuffs for the afterlife. Fine condition.