Double loop-handled jar

Hu with elliptical bodies and no handles appeared in the early and middle Shang phases at Zhengzhou. Decorated with geometric designs that are distinct from those seen on the previous piece (cat. no. 21), the polished surface of this hu is covered with a series of grooves, recalling the Shang bronze tradition. This vessel is also notable for its handles, splayed rim and footring with a wide edge. Examples of wares with cocoon-shaped bellies like this one have been found in concentration at the Yinxu site, phases III and IV in the Anyang area, Henan (KG 1986.8: 705, 716).