**First Time At Auction**

East Asia, China, Han Dynasty, ca. 206 BCE to 220 CE. An egg or cocoon shaped vessel upon a foot, with a flared spout rising from the center of the upper body. The surface is painted with a swirling white and orange curvilinear motif, the pigments were applied after firing and are not protected by glaze. Cocoon vessels may have been used to store and serve precious liquids such as wine or other fermented beverages. The silk industry during the Han Dynasty provided immense wealth- the silkworm cocoon is celebrated via this vessels profile, and the scrolling motifs are clouds - evocative of celestial and immortal realms. In addition to being emblems of status and wealth, ultimately, these vessels became funerary offerings for the afterlife Size: 12" L x 7" W x 10" H (30.5 cm x 17.8 cm x 25.4 cm)

Provenance: private Vero Beach, Florida, USA collection, acquired before 2003

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#177609

Restored with repainting to motifs. Mineral and earthen deposits on surface. No visible repairs to exterior.