Lot 549

Monumental Kushan Painted Terracotta Jar - Horse & Peacock Frieze

Previous image preload Next image preload

Monumental Kushan Painted Terracotta Jar - Horse & Peacock Frieze

Estimate: $9,000 - $13,500

Starting Bid: $4,500

(0 Bids)

June 12, 2026 9:00 AM MDT
Live Auction
Louisville, CO, US

Description:

Ancient Central Asia, Kushan Empire., ca. 0 - 399 CE. Monumental and marvelous terracotta jar, crafted with a bulbous body and an attenuated neck culminating in a rolled rim, showcases the vibrant artistry of the Kushan period. Its voluminous body is richly adorned with four ovoid, medallion-like friezes, each masterfully painted with a pair of horses amidst intricate abstract and floral imagery. A distinct band encircling the tapering neck features ten birds, likely peacocks, symbolizing prestige and prosperity. This hand-built vessel, with its striking decorative program, embodies the profound cultural synthesis characteristic of the Kushan Empire. Size: 22.5" Diameter x 20.4" H (57.2 cm x 51.8 cm)

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) analysis and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full printed and bound report will accompany the item upon purchase.

Provenance: private Colorado, USA collection; ex-Artemis Gallery, 2025; ex-Barakat Gallery, Beverly Hills, CA, acquisition between 1985 and 2003

SHIPPING: We coordinate worldwide shipping in-house through specialist international forwarders experienced with fine art and antiquities customs manifests. International buyers must confirm, prior to bidding, that their country's customs authority will accept the item. All duties, taxes, clearance fees, and any costs arising from customs delays, seizures, re-export, returns, or loss in transit are the buyer's sole responsibility. Artemis assumes no liability for items refused entry, detained, or lost after export. We cannot ship ancient items to their country of origin (Egyptian to Egypt, Greek to Greece, etc.).

PAYMENT EXCEPTION: For clients not previously established with Artemis, payment for all gold, precious metal, and gemstone lots must be made by bank wire transfer or certified bank check/money order, without exception.

Item # 202554

  • Condition: Professionally repaired with restoration and repainting over break lines; all done very well and difficult to notice. Some areas of chipping, nicks, and abrasions, commensurate with age, but otherwise, excellent presentation with great remaining imagery. Earthen deposits to interior.

Accepted Forms of Payment:

ACH, American Express, Discover, MasterCard, Money Order / Cashiers Check, Personal Check, Visa, Wire Transfer

Shipping

Auction House will ship, at Buyer's expense

Artemis Fine Arts

You agree to pay a buyer's premium of 30% and any applicable taxes and shipping.

View full terms and conditions

Bid Increments
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