Ancient Chinese, Neolithic Period Terracotta Painted Jar
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€ 55
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 450 - € 550
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Painted Jar, a Neolithic Chinese terracotta vessel from the Majiayao culture (Ma-Chang phase), dating to circa 3rd–2nd millennium BC, with a globular body, short cylindrical neck, loop handle and a pinched lug, finished in a red wash with linear motif bands, approximately 25 cm high and 20 cm wide, repaired with chips/cracks to the base and signs of wear, provenance from a West Country private collection, acquired in 2000.
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Description from the seller
A fine Neolithic Chinese terracotta jar, dated to the Ma-Chang phase of the Majiayao culture. The vessel’s globular body slightly tapers inwards towards the flattened base. The upper part of the body forms a semi-globular shape, with a looped handle attached at the seam between the neck and the body. A small pinched lug has been attached to the opposite side of the body. The jar has a short, cylindrical neck that flares into a wide opening with an everted lip. The vessel is covered in a red wash with the upper two-thirds decorated with a linear pattern of concentric triangles and criss-crossing lines. The neck features two thick bands of linear motifs, and the inside of the rim is decorated with a band of evenly spaced groups of vertical lines. The vessel sits upon a flat circular base. Chips and cracks to the base of the jar. Earthly encrustations and signs of wear as consistent with age, such as chipping, scratches, flaking, and some loss of pigment. A long repaired crack runs down the body of the jar.
N.B. Heavy shipping applies.
The Majiayao phase was one of the most significant, pre-historic cultures that flourished during Neolithic China. Vast amounts of pottery material culture have been discovered, mostly from mortuary contexts, with distinct shapes and patterns. They are distinctively known for their iconic bulbous body shape, highly unified geometric patterns composed of spirals and swooping lines painted in contrasting dark red and black pigments. The manufacturing process of Majiayao painted pottery involved a unique technique, where long rods of clay were rolled out and then coiled round on top of one another in order to give the vessel the desired profile. Often the pots were made in two halves, with the top and bottom combined to form the large body. After the clay rods had been coiled, both the interior and the exterior walls of pottery were then smoothed and flattened, beaten by a paddle and anvil, thus creating an ideal silhouette. Neolithic Chinese pottery often features frog or toad motifs. These patterns were not merely decorative but also held symbolic meaning, likely associated with fertility, good fortune, and perhaps even lunar mythology. The frog’s association with offspring and the moon, coupled with its active form, contributed to its positive connotations in ancient Chinese symbolism.
Measurements: (circa) H 25cm x W 20cm
Provenance: From the collection of a West Country gentleman, formed in 1970s.
Seller's Story
N.B: TAXES & VAT ARE NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SHIPPING COSTS. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIME SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE.
ANTIQUITIES: All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity, including the item's description, image and provenance. Please also note, for insurance purposes, an item's value cannot be under- declared. All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiquities over 100 years old and their valued price.
Liability and the applicable Customs Regulations or Import Requirements in the country of your destination are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held responsible for any delays occurred by Custom Procedures. Import Tax or payable VAT depends on the Country of your destination. Payments of any taxes or any dispute with Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please note that from the 1st of January 2021, as Britain will officially leave the EU, artefacts dispatched to any European country might have to go through Customs Procedures and fees.
Watches: Watches are provided with a hard cardboard box and pillow as shown in the images.
The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot.
The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
A fine Neolithic Chinese terracotta jar, dated to the Ma-Chang phase of the Majiayao culture. The vessel’s globular body slightly tapers inwards towards the flattened base. The upper part of the body forms a semi-globular shape, with a looped handle attached at the seam between the neck and the body. A small pinched lug has been attached to the opposite side of the body. The jar has a short, cylindrical neck that flares into a wide opening with an everted lip. The vessel is covered in a red wash with the upper two-thirds decorated with a linear pattern of concentric triangles and criss-crossing lines. The neck features two thick bands of linear motifs, and the inside of the rim is decorated with a band of evenly spaced groups of vertical lines. The vessel sits upon a flat circular base. Chips and cracks to the base of the jar. Earthly encrustations and signs of wear as consistent with age, such as chipping, scratches, flaking, and some loss of pigment. A long repaired crack runs down the body of the jar.
N.B. Heavy shipping applies.
The Majiayao phase was one of the most significant, pre-historic cultures that flourished during Neolithic China. Vast amounts of pottery material culture have been discovered, mostly from mortuary contexts, with distinct shapes and patterns. They are distinctively known for their iconic bulbous body shape, highly unified geometric patterns composed of spirals and swooping lines painted in contrasting dark red and black pigments. The manufacturing process of Majiayao painted pottery involved a unique technique, where long rods of clay were rolled out and then coiled round on top of one another in order to give the vessel the desired profile. Often the pots were made in two halves, with the top and bottom combined to form the large body. After the clay rods had been coiled, both the interior and the exterior walls of pottery were then smoothed and flattened, beaten by a paddle and anvil, thus creating an ideal silhouette. Neolithic Chinese pottery often features frog or toad motifs. These patterns were not merely decorative but also held symbolic meaning, likely associated with fertility, good fortune, and perhaps even lunar mythology. The frog’s association with offspring and the moon, coupled with its active form, contributed to its positive connotations in ancient Chinese symbolism.
Measurements: (circa) H 25cm x W 20cm
Provenance: From the collection of a West Country gentleman, formed in 1970s.
Seller's Story
N.B: TAXES & VAT ARE NOT INCLUDED WITHIN THE SHIPPING COSTS. INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY TIME SUBJECT TO CUSTOMS CLEARANCE.
ANTIQUITIES: All items sold will come with their own Certificate of Authenticity, including the item's description, image and provenance. Please also note, for insurance purposes, an item's value cannot be under- declared. All items when shipped (if required) will be declared as antiquities over 100 years old and their valued price.
Liability and the applicable Customs Regulations or Import Requirements in the country of your destination are the sole responsibility of the buyer. We cannot be held responsible for any delays occurred by Custom Procedures. Import Tax or payable VAT depends on the Country of your destination. Payments of any taxes or any dispute with Customs Authorities are the sole responsibility of the buyer. Please note that from the 1st of January 2021, as Britain will officially leave the EU, artefacts dispatched to any European country might have to go through Customs Procedures and fees.
Watches: Watches are provided with a hard cardboard box and pillow as shown in the images.
The Seller can prove that the lot was obtained legally, provenance statement seen by Catawiki. Important information. The seller guarantees that he is entitled to ship this lot.
The seller will take care that any necessary permits will be arranged.
The seller will inform the buyer about this if this takes more than a few days.
Details
Culture
Ancient Chinese, Neolithic Period
Century/timeframe
Circa 3rd-2nd Millennium BC
Name of object
Painted Jar
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2000
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Unknown
Condition
Repaired
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Previous owner - year acquired
1990
Previous owner - country acquired from
Unknown
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Sold by
Disclaimer
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
The seller was informed by Catawiki about documentation requirements and guarantees the following: - the object was legally obtained, - the seller has the right to sell and/or export the object, as relevant, - the seller will provide the necessary provenance information and arrange required documentation and permits/licenses, as applicable and as per local laws, - the seller will notify the buyer of any delays in obtaining permits/licenses. By bidding, you acknowledge that import documentation may be required depending on your country of residence and that obtaining permits/licenses may cause delays in the delivery of your object.
