Far East, China, Tang Dynasty, ca. 618 to 907 CE. A very large, dare I say huge, and very rare Chinese glazed storage jar, of a graceful form with subtly attenuated walls and a corsetted shoulder that resolves to a short cylindrical neck. This is a breathtaking example of early Chinese stoneware glazing, with a rich presentation of caramel brown with black highlights as shown, along with some iridescence attesting to its age. The Tang Dynasty is best known for its expertly modeled and brightly glazed tomb figurines; however, according to several scholars, it was in their utilitarian ceramics, functional pieces for daily use and export, that the Tang potters were able to achieve their greatest technical innovations and elegant refinements. Their fascination with single color ceramics, including brownware like this example (as well as white ware, celadon, and cobalt blue wares) laid the groundwork for the magnificent pottery of the Song Dynasty, monochrome glazes, refined forms, and splashed brown and black wares. A magnificent vessel representing the foundations of ancient Chinese pottery! Size: 29.5" H (74.9 cm)
Provenance: Acquired in England in the 1980’s from an old English collection; ex-Ancient Art International, FL.
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