This Han dynasty (206 B.C. - 220 A.D.) ding form jar with cover came from a Fine Art, Americana, & Asian auction in Vermont. The auction invoice calls it a "ding form censer."  The Han dynasty was the second great Chinese imperial dynasty after the Zhou dynasty. It succeeded The Qin dynasty. So thoroughly did the Han dynasty established what was thereafter considered Chinese culture that "Han" became the Chinese word denoting someone who is Chinese. The dynasty was founded by Liu Bang. The Han dynasty was one of longest of China's major dynasties. In terms of power and prestige, the Han dynasty in the East rivaled its almost contemporary Roman Empire in the West. With only minor interruptions, it lasted a span of over four centuries and was considered a golden age in Chinese history especially in arts, politics, and technology. All subsequent Chinese dynasties looked back to the Han period as an inspiring model of a united empire and self-perpetuating government. The jar measures 6 3/4" high to the top of the lid and 8 1/2" from one handle to the other. It weighs two pounds, thirteen ounces. It is unglazed ceramic.  The lid has some chips. The jar has wear, use marks, rubbed areas, and some cracks around the legs, please see all pictures for further description.

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