Drainage Tube

Western Han dynasty (206 BCE–9 CE)

Not on view

Returned to lender

This work of art was on loan to the museum and has since been returned to its lender.

Qin–Han cities and palaces had sophisticated drainage systems. Large pottery tubes accommodated the water supply and sewage: cylindrical ones for clean water and pentagonal ones for wastewater. The pentagonal shape lent stability when the tubes were stacked. Drainage tubes of this type have been found at Qin sites including the royal palace in Xianyang and structures within the mausoleum of the First Emperor. They continued to be used during the Han dynasty, as exemplified by the present example, found in the mausoleum of Emperor Jing (r. 157–141 B.C.).

Artwork Details

Overview

Provenance

Exhibition History

西汉陶五棱水管
Title: Drainage Tube
Period: Western Han dynasty (206 BCE–9 CE)
Culture: China
Medium: Earthenware
Dimensions: H. 15 3/8 in. (39 cm); W. 26 1/2 in. (67.3 cm); D. 15 in. (38.1 cm); Wt. 127.9 lb. (58 kg)
Classification: Ceramics
Credit Line: Lent by Museum of Yangling Mausoleum
Curatorial Department: Asian Art