Catalog (320)

This highly decorative pair of pottery tiles was made during the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). They are made from a dense, quiet highly-fired grey pottery and have been very elaborately decorated in high relief featuring a bird sitting on a branch surrounded by blossoms and buds. These tiles have been "cold painted" in various brightly-coloured pigments, good traces of which still remain. To the back are traces of ancient r...

This rare and unusual pottery tile depicts an armoured warrior. It was made during the Song Dynasty (AD 960 - 1279). It is made from a grey pottery that has been "cold painted" in a base coat of white pigment on top of which have been applied various different coloured pigments. This tile depicts a formidable warrior. Note the thick-set facial features, also the headgear and the decorative armour he wears. He stands with fists clench...

This pottery figure was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). It represents a male figure wearing a hooded cloak. It is "heavily-potted" and has been "cold painted" in various coloured pigments, traces of which still remain. Height 19.5 cm. Very faint signs of possible repair at the waist.

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This attractively-shaped pottery jar was made around 4,000 years ago by peoples of the Neolithic Qijia Culture (c. 2050 - 1700 BC), from what is now eastern Gansu province, China. It is made from a pale buff-coloured pottery that is fairly highly-fired. There are two "strap" handles joined at the waist and mouth edge. The surface has been burnished making it smooth to the touch. The pottery at the constricted neck...

This attractively-shaped pottery jar was made around 4,000 years ago by peoples of the Neolithic Qijia Culture (c. 2050 - 1700 BC), from what is now eastern Gansu province, China. It is very thinly-potted and quite highly-fired, having an almost "metallic" ring to it when tapped. There are two "strap" handles joined at the waist and mouth edge. Much of the upper surface is coated with a thin layer of "calcified" s...

This rare and interesting pottery figure was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). It is fairly highly-fired, having a distinct ring to it when tapped. It has been "cold painted" in white, red and black pigments, good amounts of which still remain. Note the details to the facial features, clothing and head gear. He stands as if in attendance awaiting instructions! On the surface in places, particularly to the back, are mi...

This fine and incredibly ancient pottery vessel was made over 6,000 years ago during the Banpo phase (c. 4800 - 4300 BC) of the Yangshao culture in present-day Shaanxi province. This form is probably the most well-known of Banpo pottery, if not of all Chinese Neolithic pottery, and no serious collection of Chinese ceramics should be without an example!

It has a tall cup-shaped mouth and a pointed base....

This very rare and large moulded pottery object was made during the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD 25 - 220). It is the base to a "money tree" and has been excavated from Sichuan province. The coin-shedding, or money tree is known from late Han Dynasty funerary art from the south-west of China. It was believed that if shaken, coins would fall from it. The money tree itself would comprise a bronze trunk, or pole, to which were at...

This extremely rare toad-shaped pedestal, or base, for the legendary coin-shedding tree dates to the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD 25 - 220) and has been excavated from Sichuan province. The coin-shedding, or money, tree is known from late Han Dynasty funerary art from the south-west of China. It was believed that if shaken, coins would fall from it. The money tree itself would comprise a bronze trunk, or pole, to which...

This very rare and unusual moulded pottery object was made during the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD 25 - 220). It is the base to a "money tree" and has been excavated from Sichuan province. The coin-shedding, or money, tree is known from late Han Dynasty funerary art from the south-west of China. It was believed that if shaken, coins would fall from it. The money tree itself would comprise a bronze trunk, or pole, to which were...

This impressive and attractive pottery figure was made during the Yuan Dynasty (AD 1279 - 1368). Such figures from the Yuan Dynasty are very distinctive and are particularly rare and desirable. The surface of such Yuan figures is typically fired to grey, or almost black, and sometimes, as in this case, burnished to a smooth finish.

This figure represents a groom or possibly a merchant. The clothing is distinctly Mong...

This impressive pottery model of a warrior was made over 2,000 years ago during the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 8). It is made from a dense grey pottery and quite highly-fired. He stands alert with his right hand raised. The pack on his back, a container for arrows, shows that he is an archer. In the hands would originally have been placed a miniature wooden shield and weapon, now long since rotted away ...

This rare pottery jar was made around 3,000 years ago by peoples of the Neolithic Xindian culture (c. 1200 - 500 BC). The Xindian culture is a relatively late Neolithic culture and overlaps with the Chinese Bronze Age. Xindian pottery is rarer and generally less refined, more coarse and brittle than pottery from some earlier Chinese Neolithic cultures. This jar, however, is well-made and of an attractive form. It is made from quite a gritt...

This rare pottery jar was made around 3,000 years ago by peoples of the Neolithic Xindian culture (c. 1200 - 500 BC). The Xindian culture is a relatively late Neolithic culture and overlaps with the Chinese Bronze Age. Xindian pottery is rarer and generally less refined, more coarse and brittle than pottery from some earlier Chinese Neolithic cultures. 

The lower body is quite wide and there is a tall neck ending with a flared mouth...

This rare pottery jar was made around 4,000 years ago by peoples of the Neolithic Qijia Culture (c. 2050 - 1700 BC), from what is now eastern Gansu province, China. They produced a variety of pottery vessels including cord-impressed pottery of many shapes and sizes as well as higher-fired jars such as this. This is quite an unusual shape with its wide body and two small loop handles on opposing sides of its ...

This fine and impressive matching pair of male and female figures was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). They are made from a buff-coloured pottery that has been "cold painted" in coloured pigments. They are similarly dressed in long-sleeved robes. Note also the upturned footwear and the distinctive headdresses and hairstyles. 

As with many of our finer items, we have had both o...

This rare large and impressive rectangular pottery serving tray, complete with a ladle and six "ear" cups was made some 2,000 years ago during the Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 220). They are all made from a fairly high-fired grey pottery and "cold painted" in red pigment.

Tray dimensions: length 56.5 cm (22.25 inches), width 35.5 cm (14 inches). Three cups of length 11.25 cm (4.5 inches), three cups of length 13.75 cm (5.5 inc...

A pottery model of a sedan chair made during the 16th century (c.1550 - 1600). Made from a hard creamy-white pottery and coated in complimentary green and yellow glazes. A nice example with good detail, especially to the pagoda-shaped roof. There is an unusual incised pattern to the flat base, possibly a lotus blossom (?).

Height 24 cm. The roof has been re-stuck (it was probably originally attached to the chair just by the g...

A pottery model of a sedan chair made during the 16th century (c.1550 - 1600). Made from a hard creamy-white pottery and coated in complimentary green and golden-brown glazes that in places have acquired a silvery iridescence, a result of long exposure to moisture. A nice example with good detail, especially to the pagoda-shaped roof.

Height 25.5 cm. The finial in the centre of the roof is damaged and has been re-stuck. Othe...

A large and rare example of a pottery model of a sedan chair made during the 16th century (c.1550 - 1600), made from a hard creamy-white pottery and coated in the "fahua" palette of complimentary aubergine and turquoise coloured glazes. It is particularly heavily-potted but has very good surface detail, especially to the roof.

Height 31.75 cm. The finial in the centre of the roof, that is glazed green, appears to have ...

A pottery model of a screen made during the 16th century (c.1550 - 1600). Made from a hard creamy-white pottery and coated in green and black glazes that have, in places, acquired a silvery iridescence, a result of very long exposure to moisture. In addition to the glazes is red pigment.

Length 18.5 cm, height 19 cm. Fine condition - no sign of restoration or repair.

One of a collection of Ming Dynasty pottery model...

A pottery model of a tall wooden cabinet made during the 16th century (c.1550 - 1600). Made from a hard creamy-white pottery and coated in a green glaze that has, in places, acquired a silvery iridescence, a result of very long exposure to moisture. The details suggests this is a model of a cabinet that would have had two opening doors above which are three drawers.

Height 21.5 cm. width 15.5 cm. It is in very good condition with...

An impressive pottery model of a laden table made during the 16th century (c. 1550 - 1600), from a hard creamy-white pottery. On the table are twelve dishes containing various foods, some stacked, including a duck, fish and a boar's head. The table top cold-painted in a black pigment, the rest of the table and the items coated in green, yellow and golden-brown glazes that have, in places, acquired a silvery iridescence, a re...

A pottery model of a folding wooden chair made during the 16th century (c.1500 - 1600). Made from a hard creamy-white pottery and coated in green and greenish-yellow glazes that have, in places, acquired a silvery iridescence, a result of very long exposure to moisture. There are also traces of red pigment in places.

Height 15 cm. No restoration or repair. Fine condition.

The final image shows a similar chair that is being sold...

A pottery model of a folding wooden chair made during the 16th century (c.1550 - 1600). Made from a hard creamy-white pottery and coated in green and yellow glazes that have, in places, acquired a silvery iridescence, a result of very long exposure to moisture.

Height 15.5 cm. Kiln scars, minor chips to edges, back of chair broken and re-stuck (see photos).

The final image shows a similar chair that is being sold separately (st...

A pottery model of a hinged chest made during the 16th century (c.1550 - 1600). Made from a hard creamy-white pottery and coated in green and golden-yellow glazes that have, in places, acquired a silvery iridescence, a result of very long exposure to moisture.

Length 14 cm, height 11 cm. "Calcified" burial deposits in places and a couple of small chips at the corners. No sign of restoration or repair.

One of a collection of M...

A pottery model of a wash stand and basin made during the 16th century (c.1550 - 1600). The stand is made from a hard creamy-white pottery and coated in green and golden-yellow glazes that have, in places, acquired a silvery iridescence, a result of very long exposure to moisture. The four finials of the stand have been painted in red pigment. The basin is made from a pale-reddish pottery with its upper surface c...

Perhaps the most desirable and collectable pottery sculpture from the Tang Dynasty is the female courtier, or "fat lady". This fine example was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906).

The lady stands with her head turned a little to her left and tilted slightly at a quizzical" angle. She is wearing a particularly voluminous long robe. Her hands are clearly held together across her chest beneath her ...

This wonderfully-shaped pottery jar was made during the early part of the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 8), or possibly the preceding Qin Dynasty (221 - 206 BC). This type of jar is usually referred to as a "cocoon jar" due to the shape of its body. Its original function was that of a grain storage jar. The jar is fairly "heavily-potted" and has quite a wide foot with a neck and flared mouth. Decoration comprises eleven b...

This pottery "cocoon" jar was made over 2,000 years ago during the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 8). It is made from a relatively highly-fired grey pottery and has been decorated by "cold painting" different coloured pigments in a design featuring cloud patterns within vertical bands.

Height 22.25 cm, length of body 26 cm. This is a very good example. It has a high degree of the original coloured surface pigments ...

This pottery "cocoon" jar was made over 2,000 years ago during the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 8). It is made from a relatively highly-fired grey pottery and has been decorated by "cold painting" different coloured pigments in a design featuring cloud patterns within vertical bands.

Height 22.25 cm, length of body 24 cm. This is a very good example. It has a high degree of the original coloured surface pigments ...

This fine & rare pottery cup was made some 2,000 years ago during the Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 220), or possibly a little earlier. It is very well-made from a fine-grained grey pottery. This inner mouth and outer surface have a smooth burnished surface making it a real pleasure not only to view, but also to handle. On the surface is an area of "calcified" deposits, formed during its long burial.

Diameter 12.5 cm. A lovely example in fine co...

Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 220). Made from a reddish pottery, quite "heavily-potted", and coated in a thick amber glaze of very good colour. Han jars such as this very often have kilns scars to their rims and bases showing that they were fired in the kiln stacked on top of each other.

Height 15 cm. A chip to the glaze at the mouth edge but no repair or restoration; fine condition.

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These fine pair of pottery figures, one male, one female, was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). They are made from quite a high-fired creamy-coloured pottery. They are very finely modelled: note the detail of the clothing, hairstyle and facial features. The figures stand side by side, upright, in respectful poses each with their hands held together across their stomachs. Traces of the original various di...

This impressive pottery model of a warrior was made over 2,000 years ago during the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 8). It is made from a dense grey pottery and quite highly-fired. It has been "cold painted" in white, red and black pigments, good traces of which still remain. There are purpose-made holes in each of the clasped hands, where originally would have been placed a miniature shield and weapon, probably...

This impressive pottery model of a warrior was made over 2,000 years ago during the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 8); as can be seen by the quiver on its back, this figure is that of an archer. It is made from a relatively high-fired dark grey pottery that has been "cold painted" in a base coat of white pigment with the features and details picked out in red and black pigments. Originally this fi...

This impressive pottery model of a warrior was made over 2,000 years ago during the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 8); as can be seen by the quiver on its back, this figure is that of an archer. It is made from a dark grey pottery that has been "cold painted" in a base coat of white pigment with the features and details picked out in red and black pigments. Note his benign face ! Originally this figure would have hel...

This pottery model of an ox, or bull, was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). It is made from a grey pottery. This ox is well-modelled and is in the act of walking with its head looking determinedly straight ahead.

Length 27 cm. A lovely example in very good condition with only signs of minor repair to two legs.

*** TO ORDER THIS ITEM PLEASE EMAIL US QUOTING OUR STOCK NUMBER (see above) - WE SHALL THEN EMAIL YOU B...

This pottery model of a saddled horse was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). It is made from a red pottery that has been "cold painted" with a white pigment on top of which has been applied black pigments for the saddle and features of the head. This "strong" looking horse stands alert with its head slightly raised and turned to its left. There is a groove down the back of its neck, and a hole at the back where originally w...

Archaic Chinese Bronzes by Christian Deydier

This superbly produced book covers the first known Chinese bronzes through to and including those produced by the Shang Dynasty. It is very well researched and packed full of interesting background information as well as being extensively illustrated. Included are the relatively recent excavations from the Sichuan Culture site at Sanxingdui. An invaluable book for those interested not only in anc...

This twin-handled pottery jar was made over 4,000 years ago during the Machang Phase (c. 2300 - 2000 BC) of the Majiayao culture, also known as the Gansu-Yangshao culture, from present day Gansu or Qinghai province. It is quite thin-walled and relatively highly-fired. The upper body has been coated in a reddish-brown wash on top of which have been painted geometric patterns in a dark fired-on mineral-based pigment. Interest...

This twin-handled pottery jar was made over 4,000 years ago during the Machang Phase (c. 2300 - 2000 BC) of the Majiayao culture, also known as the Gansu-Yangshao culture, from present day Gansu or Qinghai province. It is relatively highly-fired and made from a buff-coloured pottery with a smooth burnished surface. It has a wide body and two loop handles joined at the waist and upper neck. The outer surface and inner mouth ...

This twin-handled pottery jar was made over 4,000 years ago during the Machang Phase (c. 2300 - 2000 BC) of the Majiayao culture, also known as the Gansu-Yangshao culture, from present day Gansu or Qinghai province. It is relatively highly-fired and made from a buff-coloured pottery with a smooth burnished surface. It has a wide body and two loop handles joined at the waist and upper neck. The outer surface and inner mouth ...

This twin-handled pottery jar was made over 4,000 years ago during the Machang Phase (c. 2300 - 2000 BC) of the Majiayao culture, also known as the Gansu-Yangshao culture, from present day Gansu or Qinghai province. This jar is relatively highly-fired and little more "heavily-potted" than some other similar examples. It has a smooth burnished surface. The outer surface and inner mouth have been elaborately decorated with a ...

This twin-handled pottery jar was made over 4,000 years ago during the Machang Phase (c. 2300 - 2000 BC) of the Majiayao culture, also known as the Gansu-Yangshao culture, from present day Gansu or Qinghai province. It is relatively highly-fired and made from a buff-coloured pottery with a smooth burnished surface. It has a wide body and two loop handles joined at the waist and upper neck. The outer surface and inner mouth ...

This twin-handled pottery jar was made over 4,000 years ago during the Machang Phase (c. 2300 - 2000 BC) of the Majiayao culture, also known as the Gansu-Yangshao culture, from present day Gansu or Qinghai province. It is relatively highly-fired and made from a buff-coloured pottery. It has a wide body and two loop handles joined at the waist and upper neck. The outer surface and inner mouth have been coated in a reddish-br...

This twin-handled pottery jar was made over 4,000 years ago during the Machang Phase (c. 2300 - 2000 BC) of the Majiayao culture, also known as the Gansu-Yangshao culture, from present day Gansu or Qinghai province. It is relatively highly-fired and made from a buff-coloured pottery with a smooth burnished surface. It has a wide body and two loop handles joined at the waist and upper neck. The outer surface and inner mouth ...

This twin-handled pottery jar was made over 4,000 years ago during the Machang Phase (c. 2300 - 2000 BC) of the Majiayao culture, also known as the Gansu-Yangshao culture, from present day Gansu or Qinghai province. It is relatively highly-fired and made from a buff-coloured pottery. It has a wide body and two loop handles joined at the waist and upper neck. The outer surface and inner mouth have been coated in a reddish-br...

This pottery jar was made over 4,000 years ago during the Machang Phase (c. 2300 - 2000 BC) of the Majiayao culture, also known as the Gansu-Yangshao culture, from present day Gansu or Qinghai province. It is made from a relatively high-fired yellowish-brown pottery. It is of quite a "squat" form, with the wide body being quite low. There are two sturdy loop handles joined at the waist and just below the rim. The outer surfac...

This pottery jar was made by peoples of the Siwa culture (c. 1350 BC), one of the later Chinese Neolithic cultures, overlapping the Bronze Age. It is of a slightly differing shape to most know similar examples in that it has a wider base and, therefore, wider lower body. It is fairly heavily-potted and has been fired to an attractive orange-red colour. There are two loop handles joining the shoulder to the mouth which is of the ...

This is one of a group of moulded pottery tablets that we bought about twenty years ago. They are made from a relatively high-fired pottery and many have a surprising amount of detail. They were made as amulets and votive offerings and were reported to have been excavated from the foundations of an ancient Buddhist temple, where originally many would have been placed to ensure the success of the temple. We find it quite difficult to date...

This is one of a group of moulded pottery tablets that we bought about twenty years ago. They are made from a relatively high-fired pottery and some have a surprising amount of detail.hey were made as amulets and votive offerings and were reported to have been excavated from the foundations of an ancient Buddhist temple, where originally many would have been placed to ensure the success of the temple. We find it quite difficult to date t...

This is one of a group of moulded pottery tablets that we bought about twenty years ago. They are made from a relatively high-fired pottery and have a surprising amount of detail, including the sun and the moon in this example. They were made as amulets and votive offerings and were reported to have been excavated from the foundations of an ancient Buddhist temple, where originally many would have been placed to ensure the success of the...

This is one of a group of moulded pottery tablets that we bought about twenty years ago. They are made from a relatively high-fired pottery and have a surprising amount of detail. They were made as amulets and votive offerings and were reported to have been excavated from the foundations of an ancient Buddhist temple, where originally many would have been placed to ensure the success of the temple. We find it quite difficult to date thes...

This is one of a group of moulded pottery tablets that we bought about twenty years ago. They are made from a relatively high-fired pottery and have a surprising amount of detail. They were made as amulets and votive offerings and were reported to have been excavated from the foundations of an ancient Buddhist temple, where originally many would have been placed to ensure the success of the temple. We find it quite difficult to date thes...

This fine and interesting pottery vessel was made over 3,000 years ago during the Chinese Neolithic or early Bronze Age. The form is of a cooking vessel and the three wide udder-shaped legs allow it to be stood in a fire with as much heat as possible being transmitted to its contents. It is not always easy to determine exactly which culture such vessels come from as similar vessels were made by various Chinese cultures. However, we un...

This large pottery jar was made over 4,000 years ago during the Machang Phase (c. 2300 - 2000 BC) of the Majiayao culture, also known as the Gansu-Yangshao culture, from present day Gansu or Qinghai province. It is relatively highly-fired and made from a pale yellowish-brown pottery. For its type it has quite a large flat base with the body flaring out towards the wide waist where there are two sturdy loop handles. The u...

This unusually-shaped large pottery jar was made over 4,000 years ago during the Machang Phase (c.2300 - 2000 BC) of the Majiayao culture, also known as the Gansu-Yangshao culture, from present day Gansu or Qinghai province. It is relatively highly-fired and made from a pale yellowish-brown pottery. It has a fairly wide flat base, wide body and tall cylindrical neck. There is one loop handle joined at the shoulder and neck base, ...

This unusually large and imposing pottery jar, or "hu" was made during the Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 220). It is made from a fine-grained grey pottery that is relatively highly-fired. This is an exceptional example of its type of fine form with its wide body and tall neck that flares inwards and then out again to the wide mouth. It has a pleasingly smooth burnished surface that in many places has a silver...

This large and imposing jar, of "hu" form, was made during the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 8). It is made from a fairly high-fired grey pottery. It has a particularly wide body with a tall neck that flares out into a wide mouth. Interestingly it has a convex base within which are fabric impressions, the flared foot having then been luted to the body prior to firing. There are three raised bands of decoration surrounding the body: ...