East Asia, China, Han Dynasty, ca. 206 BCE to 220 CE. A beautiful funerary "hu" vessel that was used for storing offerings of wine for the deceased. The surface is painted with a swirling white and orange curvilinear motif, the pigments were applied after firing and are not protected by glaze - their survival is remarkable on this piece! These scrolling motifs may symbolize clouds - evocative of celestial and immortal realms. The shape of this wonderful piece was influenced by far older bronze wine vessels produced for the elite of ancient Chinese society from the late Shang Dynasty through to the Warring States. Wine storage and serving vessels were often included in burials to provide for the deceased in the afterlife - here the remains of earthen encrustations are a testament to its interment! Size: 7.5" Diameter x 9" H (19 cm x 22.9 cm)

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

Provenance: ex-John Hurter collection, Palm Springs, California, USA, prior to 1995

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#178939

Chips to rim otherwise intact and excellent. Heavy earthen encrustations on interior and foot. TL drill holes on rim exterior and beneath foot.