Description:

East Asia, China, Han Dynasty, ca. 206 BCE to 220 CE. An egg or cocoon shaped vessel upon a foot, with a flared spout rising from the center of the upper body. The surface is painted with a swirling white and gray curvilinear motif, the pigments were applied after firing and are not protected by glaze. Cocoon vessels may have been used to store and serve precious liquids such as wine or other fermented beverages. The silk industry during the Han Dynasty provided immense wealth- the silkworm cocoon is celebrated via this vessels profile, and the scrolling motifs are clouds - evocative of celestial and immortal realms. In addition to being emblems of status and wealth, ultimately, these vessels became funerary offerings for the afterlife. Size: 11" L x 7" W x 10.5" H (27.9 cm x 17.8 cm x 26.7 cm)

PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.

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

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#177321

  • Condition: Fading to painted pigments. Chips to rim, otherwise intact and excellent. Stable hairline striation on body. Mineral and earthen deposits on surface and interior.

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July 25, 2025 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