A Chinese Han Dynasty Black Pottery Amphora with Bronze Appliqués. Twin-handled 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 iconic forms of Han Dynasty pottery and is thought by many archaeologists to be anthropomorphic, with the shape and "swirling" design of the main body based on the female human form. The surface burnished, with combed decoration around the neck and incised decoration and “dimples” to each handle. The body and handles adorned with a total of fourteen bronze appliqués. Height 16.5cm. Han Dynasty (206 BC – AD 220).

Provenance: from the collection of the late Brian Page (1938-2018), the well-known Oriental art and antiques dealer from Brighton.