Lot 571
Han Dynasty Grey Ware Amphora | Raised Medallion | Potter's Marks
Han Dynasty Grey Ware Amphora | Raised Medallion | Potter's Marks
Starting Bid: $750
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East Asia, Western China, Han Dynasty., ca. 200 - 101 BCE. A commanding and sculpturally sophisticated grey ware amphora of exceptional form, featuring a broad globular body rising to a wide squared rim, flanked by two large sweeping loop handles. The body is decorated with a raised concentric circle medallion in relief on the front face. The base bears a raised concentric ring with incised potter's marks within — likely a kiln or workshop identifier — a detail of considerable archaeological interest. The burnished grey surface retains traces of original red slip, hinting at its original decorative splendor. 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: Tull collection, Fresno CA, 2021; ex-Artemis Gallery; 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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Item #
202499
- Condition: Professional repair to base. Some age-expected scratches and abrasions, as shown. Otherwise, excellent with impressive remains of pigments and detail.
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| From: | To: | Increments: |
|---|---|---|
| $0 | $749 | $25 |
| $750 | $1,499 | $50 |
| $1,500 | $2,999 | $100 |
| $3,000 | $7,499 | $250 |
| $7,500 | $14,999 | $500 |
| $15,000 + | $1,000 |