Description:

**First Time At Auction**

East Asia, China, Han Dynasty, ca. 206 BCE to 220 CE. A stunning ensemble of 3 pottery ear cups set on a sizable tray, all enveloped in lustrous green glaze with areas of pearly iridescence. Also called winged cups or erbei, ear cups are traditionally used for wine or ale drinking. Each presents an ovoid form with gently expanding walls, projecting "ear" handles, and 3 petite feet. Their exteriors are embellished in ornate, relief decoration of an undulating motif along the walls, while a zigzag pattern encircles the rim. Alternatively, the flattened tray exhibits a rectangular shape with a slightly raised rim. As utensils like these were typically made of lacquer during the Han Dynasty, these earthenware vessels were likely created for burial rather than daily use. A rare and remarkable example from ancient China! Size of tray: 19.7" L x 12.8" W (50 cm x 32.5 cm); of ear cup (all about the same): 4.2" L x 3.5" W x 1.6" H (10.7 cm x 8.9 cm x 4.1 cm)

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

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#177349

  • Condition: Tray has been professionally repaired and restored with reglazing over break lines. Chipping to rim of one cup, and all have expected light surface wear as shown. Otherwise, cups are intact and all have an excellent presentation with great remaining glaze and beautiful iridescence.

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May 11, 2023 8:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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Bid Increments
From: To: Increments:
$0 $299 $25
$300 $999 $50
$1,000 $1,999 $100
$2,000 $4,999 $250
$5,000 $9,999 $500
$10,000 $19,999 $1,000
$20,000 $49,999 $2,500
$50,000 $99,999 $5,000
$100,000 $199,999 $10,000
$200,000 + $20,000