Lot 67
East Asia, China, Western Han Dynasty, ca. 206 BCE to 220 CE. A large pottery hu vessel with a lid, made from grayware painted with fluid patterns in white, red, and orange; the pigments were applied after firing and are not protected by glaze. The convex lid rests flush on the vessels' lip and is painted with concentric bands. Hu vessels were used for storing offerings of wine for the deceased and were 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. The swirling, sweeping motifs resemble clouds - evocative of celestial realms, and white taotie faces are centered around the vessels widest point. The taotie is one of the "four fiends" or "four evil creatures" of Chinese mythology that require food offerings/sacrifices for the insatiable spirits of the dead. Some scholars believe that the creature is part of the mysterious communication between people and the gods. Size: 14" Diameter x 18.5" H (35.6 cm x 47 cm)
Provenance: private Owen collection, Sussex County, New Jersey, USA; ex-private North Eastern collection, acquired in the 1980s from the collection of an entertainer, Manhattan, New York, USA
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#181506
- Condition: Excellent condition without restoration or repairs! Small loss to vessel rim and other minor nicks and chips to vessel and lid. Fading to painted motifs, but nice remains. Earthen and mineral deposits throughout!
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