A Large Chinese Neolithic Machang Painted Pottery Jar (2300-2000 BC). Made from a pale yellowish-brown pottery. It is a well-made jar of fine form. At the waist of its very wide body are two sturdy loop handles. The narrow flat base has curved edges. The short neck ends in a flared mouth. The smooth upper surface has been decorated in purple and black fired-on mineral-based pigments. The design is particularly striking featuring bold "hand" and geometric patterns. Height 37.25 cm (14.5 inches).From Gansu or Qinghai province. Machang Phase (c. 2300 - 2000 BC).
Provenance: from the collection of the late Brian Page (1938-2018), the well-known Oriental art and antiques dealer from Brighton.