A Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD) Glazed Sheep's Pen

A well-preserved and finely detailed pottery model of a sheep's pen excavated from a Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD) tomb. During the Han, a variety of cults and belief systems existed. Some systems aimed to prolong life, others to provide for continued life in the tomb, still others assumed the presence of immortal kingdoms to which the soul was transported. Since bronze and precious materials were banned for burial, ceramics were substituted. This had the practical effect of making the tombs less attractive to looters. This sheep's pen was covered in a bright green lead glaze, which developed an iridescent patina with long exposure to water.