Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty Vase - 45 cm
08
days
16
hours
45
minutes
16
seconds
Current bid
€ 10
Reserve price not met
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 1,700 - € 2,500
1 other person has their eye on this
 | €10 |
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Description from the seller
Title:
Great Han Dynasty Storage Jar with Polychrome Paint Decoration – 45 cm high – featuring a white horse – 206 BC – 220 AD
Description:
An impressive, large terracotta storage jar from the Han Dynasty, with an original polychrome painting in red, purple, green and white pigments. The jar has a flowing, bulbous body, a long, tapering neck and a slightly flared mouth rim. An elegant silhouette typical of funerary ceramics from the early imperial period.
The painted decoration is particularly rich and dynamic, with stylized cloud and wave motifs, as well as mythical creatures and animals. Notably, there is the depiction of a white horse with black outlines, visible on the lower register of the body. This motif is rare and may refer to the famous “Heavenly Horse” (tianma), which during the Han era was revered as a symbol of strength, speed and status. Horses played a crucial role in military power and imperial transport of the Han realm.
The paint is applied directly to the surface without glaze – a typical characteristic of Han funerary ceramics. Despite its age and burial traces, many colors remain well visible. The presence of decorative lines and patterns across the entire jar makes this object exceptionally attractive to collectors of archaic Chinese art.
Dimensions:
Height: approx. 45 cm
Diameter: approx. 30 cm
Condition:
Good condition with aging and wear, including pigment loss and superficial scratches. No visible cracks or restorations. Original paint decoration still clearly visible, with traces of white lime deposition, typical of grave finds.
Period:
Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD)
Provenance:
Old European collection. Acquired in the 1980s,
Special features:
Rare depiction of a white horse
Original painting with natural pigments
Excellent example of Han funerary ceramics
Aesthetically and historically valuable object
Title:
Great Han Dynasty Storage Jar with Polychrome Paint Decoration – 45 cm high – featuring a white horse – 206 BC – 220 AD
Description:
An impressive, large terracotta storage jar from the Han Dynasty, with an original polychrome painting in red, purple, green and white pigments. The jar has a flowing, bulbous body, a long, tapering neck and a slightly flared mouth rim. An elegant silhouette typical of funerary ceramics from the early imperial period.
The painted decoration is particularly rich and dynamic, with stylized cloud and wave motifs, as well as mythical creatures and animals. Notably, there is the depiction of a white horse with black outlines, visible on the lower register of the body. This motif is rare and may refer to the famous “Heavenly Horse” (tianma), which during the Han era was revered as a symbol of strength, speed and status. Horses played a crucial role in military power and imperial transport of the Han realm.
The paint is applied directly to the surface without glaze – a typical characteristic of Han funerary ceramics. Despite its age and burial traces, many colors remain well visible. The presence of decorative lines and patterns across the entire jar makes this object exceptionally attractive to collectors of archaic Chinese art.
Dimensions:
Height: approx. 45 cm
Diameter: approx. 30 cm
Condition:
Good condition with aging and wear, including pigment loss and superficial scratches. No visible cracks or restorations. Original paint decoration still clearly visible, with traces of white lime deposition, typical of grave finds.
Period:
Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD)
Provenance:
Old European collection. Acquired in the 1980s,
Special features:
Rare depiction of a white horse
Original painting with natural pigments
Excellent example of Han funerary ceramics
Aesthetically and historically valuable object
Details
Culture
Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty
Century/timeframe
206 v.Chr. – 220 n.Chr.)
Name of object
Vase
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Country acquired from
Netherlands
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Auction house
Height
45 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1980
Width
30 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Netherlands
Depth
30 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
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.
