Lian (cosmetic box), Han dynasty (206 BCE–220 CE), 2nd century. Gray earthenware with painted slip decor, 19.37 x 27.31 x 27.31 cm. The William Hood Dunwoody Fund, 32.54.1a, b © Minneapolis Institute of Art 

Created exclusively for burial, this large cosmetic box is made in imitation of painted lacquer cosmetic cases of the same shape. The grey body has been covered with a white slip (largely missing) over which fine geometric patterns and dragons pursuing a flaming pearl have been painted in red, yellow, and black pigments.