The Eagle-Shaped Pottery Tripod, also known as the Pottery Eagle Tripod, is a treasured ceramic artifact from China’s Neolithic Yangshao Culture, dating back roughly 6,000 years. Discovered in 1957 within the tomb of an adult female in Taipingzhuang, Huaxian County, Shaanxi Province, it is now housed in the National Museum of China.

The original pottery tripod stands at 35.8 centimeters tall and features a striking design modeled after a majestic eagle in full flight. The artisan masterfully blended the tripod’s practical functionality with sculptural artistry—its sturdy legs and gracefully drooping tail form a stable three-legged stance, while the tripod’s mouth is ingeniously positioned along the bird’s back. The eagle’s eyes are wide open, its beak sharply curved into a powerful hook, and its surface is smooth and unadorned, exuding an aura of raw power and commanding presence.

The Eagle-Shaped Pottery Tripod is a rare masterpiece of ancient sculptural art. Among all contemporary pottery discovered to date, only this one features a bird as its primary motif—a true “one-of-a-kind” piece. Beyond its role as a perfect synthesis of primal artistic expression and utilitarian function, the tripod may also have been closely tied to ritual and ceremonial practices of the time, leaving a profound legacy on the evolution of bronze vessel designs in later eras. Due to its extraordinary cultural and historical significance, it has been designated as one of the first batch of cultural relics prohibited from being exhibited abroad, rightfully earning its status as a national treasure.

The models are two versions of flower pots—one measuring 11 centimeters and the other 5 centimeters. To prevent print cooling marks from appearing on the bottom of the pots, the base has been specially designed without flat surfaces, while a drainage spout has been incorporated to ensure proper water runoff. Of course, you’re free to scale the model up or down to create flower pots of any desired size—we hope you enjoy these designs!