Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty Terracotta Vessel - 33 cm
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€ 2
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 1,800 - € 2,200
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 | €1 |
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Han Dynasty painted terracotta jar dating from the 3rd century BC to the 3rd century AD, with a globular body, 33 cm high, 28 cm diameter, weight 2.59 kg, decorated with black geometric motifs on buff slip, in good condition with signs of age and minor imperfections, provenance from a Danish private collection acquired in Germany in the 1950s, with one loop handle restored to blend into the overall appearance.
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Description from the seller
Han Dynasty Painted Terracotta Jar – 3rd Century BC to 3rd Century AD
A large and elegant Han Dynasty painted terracotta storage jar dating from the 3rd Century BC to the 3rd Century AD, featuring a globular body with a gently tapering lower section, a short cylindrical neck, and opposing loop handles. The vessel is decorated with characteristic black-painted geometric motifs over a buff slip, including horizontal bands, diagonal patterns, and rows of elongated leaf-shaped elements that encircle the shoulder, reflecting the restrained yet sophisticated decorative vocabulary of Han funerary ceramics. Such jars were commonly placed in tombs as mingqi (spirit objects), intended to provide food and provisions for the deceased in the afterlife. The piece retains an attractive archaeological surface with well-preserved painted decoration, while one of the loop handles has been professionally restored, with the restoration blending harmoniously into the overall appearance.
Material: Terracotta
Height: 33 cm
Weight: 2.59 Kg.
Provenance: Danish private collection, acquired in Germany in the 1950s.
All items come with CoA sent to your email address.
Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller . No further tests, such as, a TL test, lapidary tests, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.
Han Dynasty Painted Terracotta Jar – 3rd Century BC to 3rd Century AD
A large and elegant Han Dynasty painted terracotta storage jar dating from the 3rd Century BC to the 3rd Century AD, featuring a globular body with a gently tapering lower section, a short cylindrical neck, and opposing loop handles. The vessel is decorated with characteristic black-painted geometric motifs over a buff slip, including horizontal bands, diagonal patterns, and rows of elongated leaf-shaped elements that encircle the shoulder, reflecting the restrained yet sophisticated decorative vocabulary of Han funerary ceramics. Such jars were commonly placed in tombs as mingqi (spirit objects), intended to provide food and provisions for the deceased in the afterlife. The piece retains an attractive archaeological surface with well-preserved painted decoration, while one of the loop handles has been professionally restored, with the restoration blending harmoniously into the overall appearance.
Material: Terracotta
Height: 33 cm
Weight: 2.59 Kg.
Provenance: Danish private collection, acquired in Germany in the 1950s.
All items come with CoA sent to your email address.
Catawiki disclaimer: This object has been dated based on style by the seller . No further tests, such as, a TL test, lapidary tests, analysis of pigments or radiography scans have been conducted to check the integrity of the piece.
Details
Era
Before 1400
Weight
2.59 kg
Culture
Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty
Century/timeframe
3rd BC to 3rd Century AD
Acquired from
Private collection
Material
Terracotta
Year acquired
2025
Country of origin
Unknown
Country acquired from
Denmark
Height
33 cm
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Width
28 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1990
Depth
28 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
Condition
Good condition - used with small signs of aging & blemishes
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.
