East Asia, China, Han Dynasty, ca. 206 BCE to 220 CE. A lovely wheel-thrown granary jar, with a flat unpronounced foot and cylindrical body. Although faint, the original surface motifs are visible in areas - painted as a captivating pattern of swirling, curvilinear, cloud-form motifs in beige hues atop an orange ground. The grey color of this vessel resulted from firing in a smoke-infused kiln and the surface decoration were painted on afterwards using mineral pigments and these are not protected by glaze - hence the faded nature. Vessels like these were placed inside of tombs, often holding offerings that were given to help the deceased journey through the afterlife. Superb condition for 2000 years! Size: 4.75" Diameter x 7.5" H (12.1 cm x 19 cm)

Provenance: ex-Nancy and Dr. E.F. Simpson collection, Los Angeles, California, USA, acquired from 1970 to 2000

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#171975

Stable fissure on interior of rim and minor surface chips and abrasions, otherwise intact and very good. Pigment fading and losses to motifs. Pigments are not glazed and actively smudge when handled.