Green-glazed Bixie-shaped Socket

Unearthed in a construction site of Xupu town, Yizheng city under the jurisdiction of Yangzhou city in 1981, this socket, placed on an inkslab when discovered, is in the shape of “Bixie”, an auspicious mythological beast that is believed to have the power of fending off evils. The crouching animal with its head raised and mouth open has long, curly hair all over its body and a tail that droops beside the butt. The circular opening on its back could be used to keep brushes, or water to wash inkslabs. This piece covered with lustrous green glaze is believed to be crafted during Six Dynasties (ca. 220-581 AD), a period which witnessed the development of green porcelain, mainly produced in Zhejiang province, known for various shapes and animal-themed decoration.