Catalog (320)

Arguably the most desirable and collectable pottery sculpture from the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 – 906) is the female courtier, or "fat lady". This figure is a large and particularly elegant example.

The lady stands upright with her hands clasped together under her voluminous robe. Note also the elaborate hairstyle but most striking are the fine details to her face: simply exquisite! It is made from a buff-col...

A superbly conceived design; jars of this general type have been found in excavations dating as far back as the Spring and Autumn Period (770-475 BC). Although perhaps not obviously Chinese in design, this type of vessel is one of the most recognisable forms of Han Dynasty pottery and is thought by some archaeologists to be anthropomorphic, with the shape and "swirling" design of the main body based on the female human form. 

Th...

This rare bronze vessel dates to the Eastern Zhou period (770 - 221 BC). Such vessels are invariably referred to as "ritual wine vessels". It is of a rounded rectangular form. The body stands on four feet, one in each corner and of a mythical winged-human form. The front has a loop handled surmounted with a stylised buffalo head, its mouth open wide. The cover has a reticulated oval final in the form of interlinked s...

This oversized vessel, in the form of a "cocoon jar", was made during the Qin Dynasty (221 - 206 BC) or possibly a little earlier during the Warring States period (475 - 221 BC), but even then by the Qin state. It is made from a fairly high-fired fine-grained grey pottery. The whole of the outer surface of the body is decorated with repeated cord or woven impressions with vertical bands then being made aro...

This large and impressive glazed pottery wall tile was made during the Ming Dynasty, around the late 15th to 16th century. The tile features a young boy in high relief surrounded by lotus leaves and a lotus bud on a stem. The background of the tile is coated in green glaze with the boy coated in a pale creamy-yellow glaze and the lotus bud coated in an amber coloured glaze.

For information: a similar tile, although slightly s...

This attractive moulded porcelain bowl with an iron-brown edged foliate rim was made during the 18th century. The underglaze blue decoration of very good colour features three human figures in a garden. Around the outer wall is an elaborate scrolling design.

Diameter 13 cm. It is in fine condition with no repair or restoration and a good ring when tapped.

For information: This bowl was sold to a local collector by o...

This large porcelain dish is attractively decorated in underglaze blue, the design featuring pagodas and a blossoming tree in a rocky landscape. The flat surround of the dish is decorated with a moulded cross-hatch pattern and it has a foliate rim edged in iron-brown. To the base are the typical firing spur marks.

Maximum diameter 32.25 cm (12.75 inches). There is an old chip to the rim edge that appears to have been ...

This large and impressive 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. The surface colour of the pottery varies in places, a result of uneven conditions during firing. It has a short neck with flared mouth, and two sturdy loop handles on opposing sides at the waist. The outside of the jar a...

This large and impressive 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. The surface colour of the pottery varies in places, a result of uneven conditions during firing. It has a short neck with flared mouth, and two sturdy loop handles on opposing sides at the waist. The outside of the jar a...

This large and impressive 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 "heavily-potted" with a smooth surface and is fairly highly-fired. The surface colour of the pottery varies in places, a result of uneven conditions during firing. It has a short neck with flared m...

Published price £68.00. Our price £30.00

This fine book is the fully illustrated catalogue of an exhibition of 125 outstanding examples of Chinese bronze, jade and pottery objects dating from the 13th century BC to the 3rd century AD. It really is packed with information about the civilizations of this period in the Sichuan basin in the relatively isolated south-west of China. See our images for more information.

This is a top...

This fine and impressive pottery jar (hu) was made during the Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 220). It is made from a fairly high-fired reddish pottery and coated in a particularly attractive glossy thick streaky green and finely-crackled glaze, the colour of which varies according to its thickness. Interestingly, the drips of glaze to the mouth rim and the pooling of glaze to the flat base show that this jar was fired upsid...

This attractive pottery model of a horse was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). It is made from a buff-coloured pottery that has been "cold painted" in white and reddish-brown pigments. This horse is well-modelled and stands upright and alert.

Height 23 cm (9 inches). A nice example in good condition with any possible repair having been performed to a professional standard.

*** TO ORDER THIS ITEM PLEASE EMAIL US QUOT...

This attractive pottery model of a horse was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). It is made from a buff-coloured pottery that has been "cold painted" in white, reddish-brown and black pigments. This horse is well-modelled and stands upright and alert.

Height 22.5 cm (8.75 inches). A nice example in good condition with any possible repair having been performed to a professional standard.

*** TO ORDER THIS ITEM PLEASE E...

This tall pottery set comprising stand, jar and cover was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). Each part is made from a relatively high-fired grey pottery and "cold painted" in orange and white pigments, the decoration comprising geometric and floral (lotus) patterns. The stand has cut-out apertures and petals to represent a lotus flower. The cover has purpose-made holes in its upper part; it is painted with lotus lea...

This rare and attractively-shaped pottery jar of semi-spherical form was made during the Warring States period (475 - 221 BC) or possible earlier (Eastern Zhou period 770 - 221 BC). It is made from a relatively highly-fired fine grey pottery. The lower body has been decorated with repeated cord impressions that are particularly crisp. Interestingly, there is a network of ancient root/plants growths to much of the inner s...

This pottery jar of "hu" form was made during the Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 220) and comes from Shaanxi province in the northwest of China. It is made from a relatively highly-fired reddish pottery and has simple incised decorative bands surrounding the jar at its shoulder. The whole surface, including the base and inner mouth, is coated in an attractive amber-coloured glaze that is very finely-crackled. The flat base has mark...

This very rare pottery model of a bird, either a duck or a goose, was made during the Warring States period (475 - 221 BC). It is "heavily-potted" and made from quite a high-fired grey pottery. The duck stands with its neck and wings stretched, as if in the act of preparing to fly. Note the detail, especially to the wings, with the tiger heads. The style and decoration suggest this model was based on a bronze example. On the...

This attractive porcelain dish, or shallow bowl, was made during the Southern Song Dynasty (AD 1127 - 1279). It is coated in a finely-crackled pale greenish translucent qingbai glaze, save for the rim and flat base that remain intentionally unglazed. To the small flat base is a Chinese character in fired-on black pigment that most likely represents a name.

The upper surface is decor...

This large pottery tile was made during the Qing Dynasty (1644 - 1912). It is made from a dense grey pottery. The surface has been carved with a scene featuring an official holding a hu (an audience tablet) whilst being cooled by a servant. In front of the official is a censer with wisps of incense smoke coming from it. It has been cold-painted with various coloured pigments.

It is quite large, measuring around 31 cm (12...

This rare and impressive stoneware jar was made during the Song Dynasty (AD 960 -1279). It is quite "heavily-potted" with the outer body and inner mouth coated in an attractive chocolate-brown glaze, that has an almost "silvery" sheen to it. The applied decoration around the shoulder features a dragon chasing a pearl. The pearl represents wisdom, prosperity, power, immortality and the moon, and is also used as ...

This large and impressive pottery jar was made by peoples of the Caiyuan Culture (c. 2600 - 2200 BC) and has been excavated from the Ningxia Autonomous Region in the north of China. It is quite "heavily-potted" and has been fired to a very pleasing pale yellowish-brown with the surface colour becoming more red in places. The upper surface has been burnished and is very smooth to the touch. The lower surface has been simply yet ...

This impressive pottery model of a Bactrian camel was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). It is made from a pale buff-coloured pottery, has good detail and has been "cold painted" in a base coat of a creamy-white pigment with details picked out in brown, red and black pigments. The camel stands upright and alert with its head held high and turned a little to its left. Its two humps are particularly prominent.

...

This large and imposing pottery jar, of "hu" form, was made during the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 8). It is made from grey pottery and has a particularly wide body, the neck flaring out into a wide mouth. Unusually, it comes complete with its original cover.

The surface has been thickly cold-painted with a creamy-white pigment on top of which are swirls and geometric patterns in yellow-ochr...

This large and imposing pottery 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 relatively short neck that flares out into a wide mouth. There are three raised decorative bands surrounding its wide body. On opposite sides at the shoulder are moulded "taotie" mask handles. The outer surface has been cold-painted in creamy...

This unusual blue & white porcelain bowl was made during the mid to late 16th century c.1560-1580. The outer surface remains undecorated whereas the inner surface is particularly elaborately decorated. In the centre is a standing bird, most likely a crane (a symbol of longevity), together with various plants and blossoms. The surrounding wall is decorated with a pattern featuring lotus leaf panels and tassels.

This is...

This book, "Dragon Sea", by Frank Pope is essentially the story of a 15th century shipwreck that came to be known as the "Hoi An Hoard". Frank Pope was the archaeological manager of the salvage operation. 

This book is NOT an illustrated catalogue of the Hoi An wreck, but is a very good read, not only revealing what really goes on in the world of underwater archaeology, but also reading as an exciting adventure story, al...

This pottery jar of a very rare form 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 has an unusually tall neck for its general type that is not quite centred to the wide body. At its mouth is a flared rim with two loop handles on opposing sides. It is quite thinly-potted and highly-fired, made fro...

This pottery bowl, or 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 pale yellowish-brown pottery and is more highly-fired than most known examples. It has a wide body with a flared rim. There are two small loop handles on opposing sides. The upper body and inner mouth have ...

This large and impressive stoneware jar was made by Malcolm Pepper (1937 - 1980) during the 1970s. It is "heavily-potted" and attractively decorated. Looking inside shows it was thrown in two sections, luted together at the widest part of the body. The outer surface coated in a finely-crackled transparent glaze that has a hint of green. The inner surface coated in a dark iron glaze.

Height 46 cm (18 inches). In fine conditio...

This interesting pottery jar was made during the Song Dynasty (AD 960 - 1279), or possibly the Yuan Dynasty (AD 1279 - 1368) and has been been excavated from a Buddhist site in Yunnan province. It is made from a relatively high-fired grey pottery.

The jar has a flat base with marks showing it was removed from the potter's wheel by a piece of string or wire. Strips of clay have been applied to the outer wall of the body to fo...

This interesting pottery jar was made during the Song Dynasty (AD 960 - 1279), or possibly the Yuan Dynasty (AD 1279 - 1368) and has been been excavated from a Buddhist site in Yunnan province. It is made from a pale grey pottery. Decoration is fairly simple with strips of clay applied to the upper body to form five lotus leaf panels.

Height 24.75 cm (9.75 inches). Although it has not been properly cleaned since exc...

This interesting pottery jar was made during the Song Dynasty (AD 960 - 1279), or possibly the Yuan Dynasty (AD 1279 - 1368) and has been been excavated from a Buddhist site in Yunnan province. It is made from a fairly high-fired pale grey pottery. Decoration is fairly simple with strips of clay applied to the upper body to form four lotus leaf panels. Between the top of each leaf are incised lines and small circles.

...

This fine and impressive matching pair of pottery lokapala figures was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). They are "heavily-potted" and made from a reddish pottery that have been "cold painted" in various coloured pigments. On the surface in places there still remain traces of gold leaf. Note the exquisite detail of their clothing and hairstyle. They have clenched fists with ferocious facia...

This undeniably impressive pottery figure of a guardian was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). It is made from a fairly high-fired creamy-white pottery with traces of yellow, red and black "cold painted" pigments to the surface. He stands upon a rock, head turned slightly, with his hands out. Note the clothing and head gear: an armoured jacket secured with straps over his shoulder and a belt at he ...

This unusually large and impressive pottery model of a Bactrian camel was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). It is heavily-potted and made from a fairly high-fired buff-coloured pottery. In places on the surface are firing cracks, likely due to the thickness of the pottery. The surface has been cold-painted in a yellow-ochre coloured pigment on top of which have been painted reddish-brown and black pigments for th...

This unusual object, a pottery model of a bucket, was made during the Yuan Dynasty (AD 1279 - 1368). Black, or dark grey, pottery objects dating to the Yuan Dynasty are not widely known. They are found in the northern provinces, particularly Gansu province in the north-west.

This item is quite heavily-potted and fairly highly-fired with a smooth burnished surface. Adhering to the inner surface are the remains of ancient root/plant growths f...

This tall pottery figure was made during the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD 25 - 220) and has been excavated from Sichuan province. Such figures are usually referred to as farmers, although during this period Sichuan farmers were also called upon by their masters to become soldiers when required. This figure holds in his left hand a long sword, and in his right hand a shield. There is also a short knife attached to his belt. He wea...

This tall pottery figure was made during the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD 25 - 220) and has been excavated from Sichuan province. It is made from a reddish pottery and is highly detailed. Such figures are usually referred to as farmers, although during this period Sichuan farmers were also called upon by their masters to become soldiers when required. As well as holding a long-handled spade in one hand and a winnowing tray in th...

This attractive small porcelain jar was made in the 12th - 14th century during the Song (AD 960 - 1279) or the Yuan Dynasty (1279 - 1368). It is quite "heavily-potted" and coated in a thick pale olive-green glaze. The body, when soft, was indented with five wide vertical impressions to give it a lobed appearance. The foot remains unglazed revealing the pale grey body. There is a small kiln scar to the body.

Height 6.5 cm...

This saucer-dish was made in the 13th - 14th century during the Yuan (AD 1279 - 1368) or early Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). It is "heavily-potted" and coated in a thick lightly-crackled celadon glaze save for the foot that has fired to a deep reddish-brown. The glaze has a very pleasant "silky-smooth" feel to it. This high-fired type of ware is variously described as stoneware or porcelain and it certainly has quite a high-pitched sound when tap...

This saucer-dish was made during the Song Dynasty (AD 960 - 1279). Its inner surface and outer wall are coated in a very finely-crackled pale qingbai glaze that has just a hint of green. The inner surface is decorated with what appears to be an impressed floral decoration although the impression is quite faint. The rim remains purposely unglazed as does the flat concave base. Interestingly around the outer wall can be seen...

This porcelain bowl with flared rim was made during the 12th - 13th Century (Late Song - Yuan Dynasty). It is fairly "heavily-potted" and coated in quite a dark greenish qingbai glaze that is finely-crackled. The rim edge remains unglazed and in places has fired to a deep reddish-brown. The inner surface is simply decorated with an abstract incised pattern whereas the underside is more elaborately decorated wi...

This pottery model of an official figure was made during the Ming Dynasty (1368 - 1644). It is quite highly-fired and made from a pale pinkish-brown pottery and includes an integral hexagonal plinth on which the figure stands. The head has been made separately and slots into the hole at the neck. The figure has been coated in green and amber glazes that have, over much of their surfaces, acquired a silvery iridescence, a result of long burial i...

This attractive pottery model of a horse was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). It is made from a buff-coloured pottery that has been "cold painted" in white and reddish-brown pigments. This horse is well-modelled and stands upright and alert.

Height 23 cm (9 inches). A nice example in good condition with any possible repair having been performed to a professional standard.

*** TO ORDER THIS ITEM PLEASE EMAIL US QUOT...

This attractive pottery model of a horse was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). It is made from a buff-coloured pottery that has been "cold painted" in white and reddish-brown pigments. This horse is well-modelled and stands upright and alert.

Height 22.25 cm (8.75 inches). A nice example in good condition with any possible repair having been performed to a professional standard.

*** TO ORDER THIS ITEM PLEASE EMAIL U...

This attractive pottery model of a horse was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). It is made from a buff-coloured pottery that has been "cold painted" in white and reddish-brown pigments. This horse is well-modelled and stands upright and alert.

Height 22 cm (8.5 inches). A nice example in good condition with any possible repair having been performed to a professional standard.

*** TO ORDER THIS ITEM PLEASE EMAIL US QU...

This fine, impressive and very rare pair of pottery vases was made during the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 8) or possibly a little earlier. They are of a particularly pleasing and elegant form, the wide bodies rising up from the flat bases, then constricting into long slender necks and finally opening up into fairly wide mouths. They are quite "heavily-potted" and made from a dense fine-grained dark grey pottery, the surface o...

These impressive and attractive pottery models of a horse and groom were 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 these figures is typically fired to grey, or almost black, and sometimes, as in this case, burnished to a smooth finish.

The horse is laden with a pack on its back, on t...

This impressive and attractive pottery model of a horse 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 these figures is typically fired to grey, or almost black, and sometimes, as in this case, burnished to a smooth finish.

The horse is laden with a pack on its back, on top of which is tied a tiger skin. N...

This very attractive pottery model of a horse was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). It is made from a buff-coloured pottery that has been "cold painted" in a creamy-white pigment. This horse is well-modelled and stands upright and alert with its head turned a little to its left.

Height 22 cm (8.5 inches). A fine example in very good condition.

*** TO ORDER THIS ITEM PLEASE EMAIL US QUOTING OUR STOCK NUMBER (see...

This extremely rare and imposing pottery jar dates to the around the 1st millennium BC, the late Chinese Neolithic / Bronze Age period. It is, without doubt, the largest and most substantial pottery jar we have ever encountered from this period. It has a rounded base and the whole of the outer surface has been decorated with repeated coarsely-woven cord impressions. Interestingly the inner surface be...

This rare and impressive stoneware jar was made during the Song Dynasty (AD 960 -1279). It is quite "heavily-potted" with the outer body and inner mouth coated in an iron glaze, the colour of which varies from a "silvery" brown to black. The applied decoration around the shoulder features a dragon chasing a flaming pearl. The pearl represents wisdom, prosperity, power, immortality and the moon, and is also used...

This fine and rare pair of painted pottery jars, representing granaries, was made during the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 8). They are made from a fairly high-fired grey pottery. They have cylindrical bodies, domed tops with fairly small circular openings. The ridges to the shoulder of each jar represent roof tiles. Each jar stands on three feet moulded into the form of a bear.

Many examples of...

This extremely rare and impressive pottery model of a cooking stove was made during either the Qin Dynasty (221 – 206 BC) or possibly earlier, during the latter part of the preceding Warring States period (475 – 221 BC). It is made from quite a high-fired grey pottery that has a distinct ring to it when tapped. Its main upper surface is wonderfully decorated with finely-detail...

Arguably the most desirable pottery sculpture from the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 – 906) is the female courtier, or "fat lady". This relatively small example is particularly elegant. It is made from a buff-coloured pottery that has been elaborately decorated in various coloured cold-painted pigments. The lady stands demurely with her hands clasped together under her flowing robe. Note also the detail of the facial features, th...

Arguably the most desirable pottery sculpture from the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 – 906) is the female courtier, or "fat lady". This relatively small example is particularly elegant. It is made from a buff-coloured pottery that has been elaborately decorated in various coloured cold-painted pigments. The lady stands demurely with her hands clasped together under her flowing robe. Note also the detail of the facial features, th...

Arguably the most desirable pottery sculpture from the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 – 906) is the female courtier, or "fat lady". This relatively small example is particularly elegant. It is made from a buff-coloured pottery that has been elaborately decorated in various coloured cold-painted pigments. The lady stands demurely with her hands clasped together under her flowing robe. Note also the detail of the facial features, th...

This small pottery model of a recumbent horse was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). It is made from a buff-coloured pottery that has been "cold painted" in a white pigment. Note the detail of the horse's mane and its legs tucked under its body. Length 14 cm. No obvious sign of any repair - good condition.

Our last images above show other Tang Dynasty horses we are selling separately.

*** TO ORDER THIS ITEM PLEASE EMAIL US Q...

This small pottery model of a recumbent horse was made during the Tang Dynasty (AD 618 - 906). It is made from a buff-coloured pottery that has been "cold painted" in a white pigment. Note the detail of the horse's mane and its legs tucked under its body. Length 14 cm. A chip to its front left knee. No obvious sign of any repair.

Our last images above show other Tang Dynasty horses we are selling separately.

*** TO ORDER THIS ITEM P...