East Asia, Northeast China, Middle Neolithic, Xiajiadian culture, ca. 5000 to 3000 BCE. A fascinating pottery vessel with 3 pointed legs, a long neck, and a dramatically flared rim, boasting a lovely painted black glaze. This ancient vessel was created by the Xiajiadian peoples of the northeastern section of China, a culture that in time shifted from a pastoral civilization to one with more defined social divisions. While tripod vessels were first created in China in the early Neolithic period (7000 to 5000 BCE), those with hollow legs resulting in the characteristic Li tripods as well as Gui tripod pitchers did not appear until the middle Neolithic era (ca. 5000 to 3000 BCE). Numerous scholars have associated the shapes of these tripods with the udders of goats and cows and have concluded that they were used for significant ritualistic activities. Size: 6.3" W x 10.2" H (16 cm x 25.9 cm)

The hollow legs indicated a technological innovation that is particular to the Chinese. According to the curatorial staff of University of New Mexico's Maxwell Museum, "By the time the hollow legs were created, ceramic technology allowed for vessels that could be placed directly in a fire without fear of cracking. As evidenced by scorching and soot found on excavated examples, Li and Gui tripods were placed directly into the fire where their contents could be heated and cooked more economically than in earlier vessels. The shape remained popular for many centuries, eventually being replicated in bronze during the Shang and Zhou dynasties."

A very similar vessel was sold at Christie's New York during The House Sale on September 4th to 5th, 2002, lot 1109 for $4,780.00. Another can be found at the Cleveland Museum of Art under accession number 2005.20.

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.

Provenance: private Masontown, Pennsylvania, USA, collection, acquired in the 1990s

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#165979

TL holes to bottom of one leg and under rim. Repair with some minor restoration to rim and upper part of body. Expected surface wear commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with rich earthen deposits.