Description:

East Asia, Western China, Han Dynasty, ca. 2nd century BCE. An earthenware vessel of an incredibly distinctive form enveloped in a lustrous gray pigment with stripes of crimson on the neck and spout. Panels of incised linear decorations adorn the neck, while raised, swirl-patterned circles are presented on the main body. All sitting upon a ringed base, the mouth opens in an almond-shaped spout, as wide strap handles flow down from the narrow rim to join the broad shoulder of its bulbous body. Size: 7.5" W x 6.9" H (19 cm x 17.5 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.

Provenance: ex-John B. Kendrick II collection, Denver, Colorado, USA, acquired 1965 to 1990; John B. Kendrick II was that son of John B. Kendrick, Wyoming governor and US senator

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#172425

  • Condition: Professional repair and restoration to base. Some age-expected scratches and abrasions, as shown. Otherwise, excellent with impressive remains of pigments and detail.

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August 25, 2022 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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