A Rare Large Chinese Han Dynasty Black Pottery Amphora. Twin-handled jars of this general type have been found in excavations dating as far back as the Spring and Autumn Period (770-475 BC). Although perhaps not obviously Chinese in design, this type of vessel is one of the most iconic forms of Han Dynasty pottery and is thought by many archaeologists to be anthropomorphic, with the shape and "swirling" design of the main body based on the female human form. There are bands of lightly incised decoration around the neck, and swirling lines to the flat base. On the surface in places are calcified deposits and mineralized plant/root growths. Height 28cm (11 inches). Han Dynasty (206 BC – AD 220).
Provenance: from the collection of the late Brian Page (1938-2018), the well-known Oriental art and antiques dealer from Brighton.