Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty Terracotta Green-glazed earthenware Bianhu gourd of a nomadic horseman - 20 cm

07
days
17
hours
32
minutes
47
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Starting bid
€ 1
Reserve price not met
Ruth Garrido Vila
Expert
Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila

Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.

Estimate  € 1,400 - € 1,700
No bids placed

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Description from the seller

Green-glazed Bianhu flask for a nomadic horseman, China, Tang Dynasty (618–907)

Monochrome green-glazed earthenware
This piece evokes a flask used by a nomadic horseman, sculpted with details that imitate leather.
Suspension handles (ears): You can see small perforated lugs along the edges.
They were used to thread leather straps or cords through, so the flask could be hung at the horse’s side or from the rider’s belt.

Emerald-green lead glaze (achieved using copper oxide).
The surface’s slightly patinated, iridescent and earthy appearance is due to the natural chemical alteration of the glaze’s lead after centuries of burial in a tomb.

This piece is a magnificent testament to the cultural synthesis characteristic of Tang art, combining utilitarian nomadic leather forms with the mastery of Chinese ceramics.
It reflects the flourishing trade during the Tang Dynasty.

Dimensions: 20 x 18 x 7.5 cm
Small chips around the neck
No restoration has been carried out (tested using UV light and thermoluminescence).


Provenance: - Private collection in southern France
A certificate of authenticity will be provided to the buyer.

Taxes and customs duties are included in the shipping costs for international shipments.


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.

Green-glazed Bianhu flask for a nomadic horseman, China, Tang Dynasty (618–907)

Monochrome green-glazed earthenware
This piece evokes a flask used by a nomadic horseman, sculpted with details that imitate leather.
Suspension handles (ears): You can see small perforated lugs along the edges.
They were used to thread leather straps or cords through, so the flask could be hung at the horse’s side or from the rider’s belt.

Emerald-green lead glaze (achieved using copper oxide).
The surface’s slightly patinated, iridescent and earthy appearance is due to the natural chemical alteration of the glaze’s lead after centuries of burial in a tomb.

This piece is a magnificent testament to the cultural synthesis characteristic of Tang art, combining utilitarian nomadic leather forms with the mastery of Chinese ceramics.
It reflects the flourishing trade during the Tang Dynasty.

Dimensions: 20 x 18 x 7.5 cm
Small chips around the neck
No restoration has been carried out (tested using UV light and thermoluminescence).


Provenance: - Private collection in southern France
A certificate of authenticity will be provided to the buyer.

Taxes and customs duties are included in the shipping costs for international shipments.


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

Culture
Ancient Chinese, Tang Dynasty
Century/timeframe
Dynastie Tang (618-907)
Name of object
Green-glazed earthenware Bianhu gourd of a nomadic horseman
Acquired from
Auction house
Year acquired
2025
Material
Terracotta
Country acquired from
France
Condition
Excellent
Previous owner acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Height
20 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
2000
Width
18 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
Depth
7.5 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
FranceVerified
1111
Objects sold
86.79%
Private

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.

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