The mouth of this ewer is shaped like the head of a bird, with round extensions on either side forming the eyes and the spout pinched into the shape of a beak. This shape recalls “oenochoe” ewers from Ancient Greece, which were introduced to China in the late sixth century. Such vessels became very popular during the Sui and Tang eras, being produced as metalware, lacquerware, glassware, white porcelain, and tri-colored glazed ware. The discovery of an ewer with this shape in the Turpan region demonstrates the influence of Tang culture.