POTTERY GLAZED bowl with base FROM THE HAN DYNASTY (206 BC-220 AD), China

• This form probably served as the lower water basin or platform for a funerary miniature structure (mingqi). The circular central platform most likely anchored a pottery wellhead model or a "boshan lu" hill censer, which were common grave goods intended to provide provisions or spiritual safe passage for the deceased in the afterlife.
• This object is from the Lowlands collection which was set up and collected by a former Dutch pilot.

• A boshan lu (博山炉) is a distinctive type of Chinese incense burner that emerged during the Western Han dynasty (206 BCE–9 CE). The name is commonly translated as “hill censer” or “mountain-shaped incense burner.”

  The characteristic cover is modelled as a miniature sacred mountain, with pointed peaks, animals and sometimes human figures among the rocky landscape. When incense was burned inside, fragrant smoke escaped through openings in the cover, creating the impression of clouds drifting through a mystical mountain landscape.

  The imagery is closely connected with Han beliefs in sacred mountains and the Isles of the Immortals, particularly the legendary realm of Penglai, where immortals were believed to reside. The boshan lu therefore combined practical use with ideas of spirituality, longevity and transcendence.

  Although many famous examples are made of bronze, pottery versions were also produced, often with a green lead glaze. Some archaeological examples suggest that glazed pottery boshan lu were particularly associated with funerary contexts, where they formed part of the rich repertoire of objects accompanying the deceased.

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