"Cockscomb" Gourd

The modern term "cockscomb gourd" jiguanhu 鶏冠壷 refers to ceramic containers whose top is extended by a ridge on the side of which is implanted a tubular neck. These purse-shaped containers, characteristic of the Liao dynasty, are inspired by the sewn skin gourds used by the Khitans. This population of pastors settled on the northern border of the Tang empire (618-907) maintained relations with the Chinese sphere for many centuries.

Gourds of this type, which are not yet crowned with a crest, have been unearthed from burials attributed to contemporary Tang dynasty Khitans. Made of uncoated terracotta, they could have been functional.

The MC 9825 gourd, on the other hand, is a funeral substitute. Similar specimens have been excavated from Khitan tombs datable to the first quarter of the XI^e century. Fragments of ceramics coated with boric glaze were found at the Longquancun 龍泉村 kiln site in Beijing Municipality (Hebei).

Cartel:

"Cockscomb" Gourd
Liao dynasty (907-1125), first quarter of the XI^e century
North China
Terracotta coated with a black boric glaze with dark green reflections
H.33 cm x L.15,2 cm x W.12,2 cm
MC 9825

Gift of the Society of Friends of the Cernuschi Museum, 1989

Photo credit :

© Paris Museums / Cernuschi Museum

Gourd (Used name), 0907. Shiny black glaze with green reflections. Cernuschi Museum, Museum of Asian Arts of the City of Paris.

Gourd (Used name), 0907. Shiny black glaze with green reflections. Cernuschi Museum, Museum of Asian Arts of the City of Paris.

Gourd (Used name), 0907. Shiny black glaze with green reflections. Cernuschi Museum, Museum of Asian Arts of the City of Paris.