Pitcher

The majority of Han lead-glazed wares are coated with irised silverish grey glaze, which easily crackes off from the surface. Due to the effects of air and water, irisation develops on the ceramic bodies; and almost certainly occurs on pieces kept in humid conditions. Glaze corrosion is a continuous process; an irised layer develops and forms and impermeable layer between the lower glaze layer and the irised layer. Laboratory tests proved that ceramics may have 3–20 corroded layers. The contour of the deep bowl breaks at two-thirds of its height. Its wide base and outer surface are both glazed. It stands on three short pebble-shaped legs. The greyish white body and the totally smooth, undecorated surface are characteristic fetaures of the Han period.