Description:

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 vessel’s 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

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#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!

Accepted Forms of Payment:

American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

November 30, 2023 8:00 AM MST
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 26.5% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

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