Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty Vase - 45 cm

Title:
Large Han Dynasty terracotta jar with polychrome painted decoration – 45 cm high – featuring a white horse – 206 BCE – 220 CE.

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, bulbous body, a long, tapering neck, and a slightly flared lip. An elegant silhouette typical of tomb ceramics from the early imperial period.

The painted decoration is especially rich and dynamic, with stylized cloud and wave motifs, as well as mythical beings and animals. Notably, the depiction of a white horse with black contour lines, visible on the lower register of the body. This motif is rare and possibly a reference to the famous “Heavenly Horse” (tianma), which during the Han period 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 ceramics. Despite 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 age- and use-related wear, including pigment wear and minor surface scratches. No visible cracks or restorations. Original painted decoration still clearly visible, with traces of white lime deposits typical of tomb finds.

Period:
Han Dynasty (206 BCE – 220 CE)

Provenance:
Old European collection. Acquired in the 1980s,

Highlights:
- Rare depiction of a white horse
- Original painting with natural pigments
- Excellent example of Han tomb ceramic art
- Aesthetically and historically valuable object"} }