Lingshan Tomb: Vessel in the Shape of a Lotus

CHINA, Jiangsu, Nanjing; Southern Dynasties

This celadon vessel, used to hold water during ceremonies, was excavated from the Linshan Tomb near Nanjing in 1972.
The vessel has a high base, an ovoid body, and an extended neck surmounted by a lid. The bottom of the base curves outward in a floral design, while at the top there is a row of lotus petals hanging down. The lower part of the body is decorated with two layers of upright lotus petals. The upper part of the body has a row of inverted lotus petals with Bodhi leaves extending downward. Where the upper and lower body meet, there are petals that curve outward. On the shoulder, there are small lotus leaves together with pairs of small handles. The neck, in three sections with various reliefs, widens at the top to form the mouth of the vessel. The outer edge of the lid is decorated with sawtooth-shaped lotus petals, while the knob is large and uneven.