Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty Vase - 45 cm
Starting bid
€ 1
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Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 1,700 - € 2,500
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Description from the seller
Title:
Large Han Dynasty jar with polychrome paint decoration – 45 cm high – featuring a white horse – 206 BC – 220 AD.
Description:
An impressive, large terracotta jar from the Han Dynasty, with original polychrome painting in red, purple, green and white pigments. The jar has a flowing, globular body, a long, tapering neck, and a slightly flaring mouth rim. An elegant silhouette that is typical of tomb pottery from the early imperial era.
The paint decoration is particularly rich and dynamic, executed with stylized cloud and wave motifs, as well as mythological beings and animals. Striking is the depiction of a white horse with black contour lines, visible on the lower register of the belly. This motif is rare and possibly a reference to the famous “Heavenly Horse” (tianma), which in Han times was revered as a symbol of strength, speed and status. Horses played a crucial role in military power and the imperial transport of the Han realm.
The paint is applied directly to the surface without glaze – a typical feature of Han tomb pottery. Despite age and burial traces, many colors are still 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 use marks, including pigment wear and superficial scratches. No visible cracks or restorations. Original paint decoration still clearly visible, with traces of white lime encrustation, typical for grave finds.
Period:
Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD)
Provenance:
Old European collection. Acquired in the 1980s,
Notes:
- Rare depiction of a white horse
- Original painting with natural pigments
- Excellent example of Han tomb pottery
- Aesthetically and historically valuable object
Title:
Large Han Dynasty jar with polychrome paint decoration – 45 cm high – featuring a white horse – 206 BC – 220 AD.
Description:
An impressive, large terracotta jar from the Han Dynasty, with original polychrome painting in red, purple, green and white pigments. The jar has a flowing, globular body, a long, tapering neck, and a slightly flaring mouth rim. An elegant silhouette that is typical of tomb pottery from the early imperial era.
The paint decoration is particularly rich and dynamic, executed with stylized cloud and wave motifs, as well as mythological beings and animals. Striking is the depiction of a white horse with black contour lines, visible on the lower register of the belly. This motif is rare and possibly a reference to the famous “Heavenly Horse” (tianma), which in Han times was revered as a symbol of strength, speed and status. Horses played a crucial role in military power and the imperial transport of the Han realm.
The paint is applied directly to the surface without glaze – a typical feature of Han tomb pottery. Despite age and burial traces, many colors are still 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 use marks, including pigment wear and superficial scratches. No visible cracks or restorations. Original paint decoration still clearly visible, with traces of white lime encrustation, typical for grave finds.
Period:
Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD)
Provenance:
Old European collection. Acquired in the 1980s,
Notes:
- Rare depiction of a white horse
- Original painting with natural pigments
- Excellent example of Han tomb pottery
- 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.
