Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty Terracotta Painted Terracotta Jar – 3rd Century BC to 3rd Century AD - 33 cm
18
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 1,400 - € 1,700
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Painted Han Dynasty Terracotta Jar dating to 3rd Century BC–3rd Century AD, 33 cm high and 28 cm diameter, with black geometric motifs on buff slip; in excellent condition and authentic.
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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.
We guarantee the authenticity of the pieces, backed by the combined experience of our experts spanning more than 40 years.
A Certificate of Authenticity (CoA) will be sent digitally by email.
This item has been legally acquired in accordance with European law.
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.
We guarantee the authenticity of the pieces, backed by the combined experience of our experts spanning more than 40 years.
A Certificate of Authenticity (CoA) will be sent digitally by email.
This item has been legally acquired in accordance with European law.
Details
Culture
Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty
Century/timeframe
3rd BC to 3rd Century AD
Name of object
Painted Terracotta Jar – 3rd Century BC to 3rd Century AD
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2025
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
Denmark
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
33 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
1990
Width
28 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Germany
Depth
28 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.
