East Asia, Western China, Han Dynasty, ca. 2nd century BCE. An impressive, dark-gray earthenware amphora of a remarkably distinctive form. Panels of incised linear decorations adorn the neck, while raised, swirl-patterned circles are presented on the main body. Sitting upon a concave, ring-form base, the ancient vessel presents a bulbous body with a tapered neck and an almond-shaped mouth with twin strap handles connecting its narrow rim and wide hip. The surface was likely once burnished to a fine gray hue which is still visible today. Size: 8.2" Diameter x 8.2" H (20.8 cm x 20.8 cm)

This type of double-handled amphora was made in western Sichuan province in central China and is known as "Lifan" after the particular area where vessels like it were found. The style is fascinating, very different from others created during the Han period, and seems to be an artistic callback to the elegant forms of the Chinese Neolithic period. These vessels are found mainly within rock-cut tombs and cist burials, with a few examples known from the more classically Han chambered brick tombs. This suggests that these vessels were made by immigrants or members of non-dominant ethnic groups within Han-controlled China, probably people who lived a nomadic lifestyle centered on husbandry while their Chinese contemporaries led more sedentary, agricultural-based lifestyles.

Cf. The British Museum, registration number 1932,0216.1; The Minneapolis Institute of Art, accession number 99.179; and The Indianapolis Museum of Art, accession number 2004.168.

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report is available for purchase. Please inquire.

Provenance: private Louisville, Colorado, USA collection, acquired on August 4th, 2021; ex-New Orleans, Louisiana, USA collection, acquired before 2007

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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.

#168055

Expected nicks and abrasions throughout, commensurate with age. Otherwise, intact and excellent with rich earthen deposits to interior. TL holes to base and under handle near rim.