Eastern Han Pouch in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, July 2017

Pouch
3rd century


Object Details

Period: Eastern Han (A.D. 25–220)–Jin dynasty (A.D. 266–420)

Date: 3rd century

Culture: China

Medium: Wool tapestry, felt, and silk

Dimensions: incl. fringe and handle: 15 3/4 × 8 1/4 × 2 9/16 in. (40 × 21 × 6.5 cm)
without fringe and handle: 6 11/16 × 5 1/8 × 2 9/16 in. (17 × 13 × 6.5 cm)

Classification: Textiles-Woven

Credit Line: Lent by Xinjiang Institute of Archaeology


Excavated from a woman’s tomb at Niya, this pouch, sewn from two pieces of wool tapestry, illustrates third-century cosmetic practices along the Silk Road. Woven onto the gold face of the pouch is a colorful, floral-patterned belt on a dark blue background. Inside, the pouch is lined with wool felt, and colorful pieces of plain silk decorate its edges. It was found containing a bronze mirror—akin to a contemporary travel compact.


Text from: www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/696822