An exceptional example of early Chinese ceramic craftsmanship, this rare gray pottery cocoon jar dates to the Western Han Dynasty (c. 206 BCE–9 CE). Its distinctive elongated, ovoid silhouette, inspired by the silkworm cocoon, is one of the most recognizable forms of Han funerary ceramics and reflects the refined aesthetic of the period. The burnished gray earthenware surface is enriched by subtle concentric throwing rings, hand-finished tooling marks, and an authentic archaeological patina featuring reddish oxidation, sandy burial encrustations, and natural weathering acquired over centuries. A vintage blue-bordered inventory label remains affixed inside the rim, adding to its documented history. Originally created as a mingqi, or burial vessel accompanying the deceased with provisions for the afterlife, this remarkable piece embodies the quiet elegance, technical innovation, and enduring cultural legacy of the Western Han Dynasty.