Burial model of a watch-tower
Medium:Slab-built, wheel-thrown earthenware with moulded components and glaze
Geography: Shanxian; Henan province; China
Date: 2nd half of 2nd-early 3rd century AD
Period: Eastern Han Dynasty
Object number: 968.349.1
Credit Line: The George Crofts Collection, Alexander S. Gillan Memorial
Gallery Location:Gallery of Chinese Architecture
DescriptionIn this model of a wooden watch-tower, the timber construction, and the decorated roof tiles at the eaves are clearly visible. In the Han, the roof panes are straight; they do not yet have the inward curve characteristic of Chinese architecture since about the fifth century AD. Sentinels with cross bows and swords stand guard on this tower.
