Brick with a Scene of Salt Production in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, July 2017

Brick with Scene of Salt Production


Object Details

Period: Eastern Han dynasty (25–220)

Culture: China

Medium: Earthenware

Dimensions: H. 18 3/8 in. (46.6 cm); W. 14 7/16 in. (36.6 cm); Th. 1 15/16 in. (5 cm); Wt. 32.2 lbs (14.6 kg)

Classification: Sculpture

Credit Line: Lent by Sichuan Provincial Museum

This brick records a rare scene of salt production. At the far left is a roofed, shafted structure containing four toiling figures. A pulley block identifies the structure as a salt well. Moving to the right, one can identify a set of evaporation pans over a furnace tended by a seated figure, as well as two additional figures, both with baskets on their backs, who transport salt from the well to the pans.

Text from: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/640970