Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty Pottery A Pair of Painted Pottery Swans - 17 cm
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€ 100
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Selected by Ruth Garrido Vila
Directed the Ifergan Collection Museum, specialising in Phoenician and Mediterranean archaeology.
Estimate € 4,700 - € 5,500
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 Bidder 2745 | €100 |
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A Pair of Painted Pottery Swans, Han Dynasty, ancient Chinese pottery, standing about 17 cm high and 18 cm wide, with later-added bronze feet and in very good condition.
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Description from the seller
A Pair of Painted Pottery Swans
Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD)
Height: ca. 17 cm | Width: ca. 18 cm
Each bird is modeled in a naturalistic stance, with raised necks and slightly open beaks suggesting alertness and vitality. Traces of original pigment remain over a white slip, the surfaces now softly aged and patinated after centuries of burial. The birds rest on later-added bronze feet, replacements made for stability and presentation; the original legs were long since lost in the tomb context.
Avian figures of this type are well-documented among Han dynasty mingqi (tomb furnishings), intended to accompany the deceased and provide companionship and auspicious symbolism in the afterlife. Comparable examples include pottery geese excavated from Han tombs in Shaanxi province, now in the Shaanxi History Museum.
This pair stands out for its exceptional quality and rare preservation of original pigments. Genuine examples of such quality are extremely rare on today’s market — we are proud to offer this authentic pair, as virtually all other “similar” examples seen in circulation are later assemblages or reconstructions rather than original Han works.
Provenance:
Private collection Hong Kong, before 2002
UK art market, between 2002 and 2025
Dutch private collection.
Certificate of Authenticity:
This item will be accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from Becker Antiques, specialists in Chinese pottery since 1969, Amsterdam.
Condition Report:
Very good condition, with wear consistent with age.
The bronze legs are modern replacements, made to replace those lost in the tomb and to allow stable display.
Some loss of pigment due to natural aging.
As with all ancient Chinese pottery, these figures were originally buried in tombs and later excavated; minor restorations may be present.
Shipping Information:
Professionally packed and shipped in a wooden crate within 3 working days via UPS.
Fully insured worldwide shipping.
Seller's Story
Becker Antiques is one of the most respected and established antique dealers in the Netherlands. Known for excellence in both fine antiques and personalized service, Becker Antiques has earned an international reputation for quality and expertise.
Founded in 1966 by Jan Simon Becker, the gallery is located in Amsterdam’s prestigious Museum Quarter (Oud-Zuid), just minutes from the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the renowned Royal Concert Hall, “Koninklijk Concertgebouw.” Housed in a stunning five-storey mansion built in 1891, Becker Antiques offers a truly memorable setting for discovering art and history.
Our primary specialty lies in ceramics—especially pottery tomb figures from the Han to Ming Dynasties—along with Buddhist sculptures and rare Chinese artworks. We also offer a curated selection of Asian art from Japan and Southeast Asia, including bronze, stone, and wooden sculptures, as well as Qing Dynasty Chinese furniture and other unique finds.
For over 59 years, we have proudly served museums, private collectors, and dealers worldwide, offering not only antiques of the highest caliber but also the knowledge and passion that bring them to life.
A Pair of Painted Pottery Swans
Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD)
Height: ca. 17 cm | Width: ca. 18 cm
Each bird is modeled in a naturalistic stance, with raised necks and slightly open beaks suggesting alertness and vitality. Traces of original pigment remain over a white slip, the surfaces now softly aged and patinated after centuries of burial. The birds rest on later-added bronze feet, replacements made for stability and presentation; the original legs were long since lost in the tomb context.
Avian figures of this type are well-documented among Han dynasty mingqi (tomb furnishings), intended to accompany the deceased and provide companionship and auspicious symbolism in the afterlife. Comparable examples include pottery geese excavated from Han tombs in Shaanxi province, now in the Shaanxi History Museum.
This pair stands out for its exceptional quality and rare preservation of original pigments. Genuine examples of such quality are extremely rare on today’s market — we are proud to offer this authentic pair, as virtually all other “similar” examples seen in circulation are later assemblages or reconstructions rather than original Han works.
Provenance:
Private collection Hong Kong, before 2002
UK art market, between 2002 and 2025
Dutch private collection.
Certificate of Authenticity:
This item will be accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity from Becker Antiques, specialists in Chinese pottery since 1969, Amsterdam.
Condition Report:
Very good condition, with wear consistent with age.
The bronze legs are modern replacements, made to replace those lost in the tomb and to allow stable display.
Some loss of pigment due to natural aging.
As with all ancient Chinese pottery, these figures were originally buried in tombs and later excavated; minor restorations may be present.
Shipping Information:
Professionally packed and shipped in a wooden crate within 3 working days via UPS.
Fully insured worldwide shipping.
Seller's Story
Becker Antiques is one of the most respected and established antique dealers in the Netherlands. Known for excellence in both fine antiques and personalized service, Becker Antiques has earned an international reputation for quality and expertise.
Founded in 1966 by Jan Simon Becker, the gallery is located in Amsterdam’s prestigious Museum Quarter (Oud-Zuid), just minutes from the Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh Museum, and the renowned Royal Concert Hall, “Koninklijk Concertgebouw.” Housed in a stunning five-storey mansion built in 1891, Becker Antiques offers a truly memorable setting for discovering art and history.
Our primary specialty lies in ceramics—especially pottery tomb figures from the Han to Ming Dynasties—along with Buddhist sculptures and rare Chinese artworks. We also offer a curated selection of Asian art from Japan and Southeast Asia, including bronze, stone, and wooden sculptures, as well as Qing Dynasty Chinese furniture and other unique finds.
For over 59 years, we have proudly served museums, private collectors, and dealers worldwide, offering not only antiques of the highest caliber but also the knowledge and passion that bring them to life.
Details
Culture
Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty
Century/ Timeframe
China
Name of object
A Pair of Painted Pottery Swans
Acquired from
Gallery / Antique dealer
Year acquired
2025
Material
Pottery
Country acquired from
United Kingdom
Condition
Very good
Previous owner acquired from
Private collection
Height
17 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
2002
Width
18 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
Hong Kong
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
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