Song Dynasty, Circa 960-1270 AD. A fine example of a Qingbai ware funerary jar (also sometimes known as Yingqing, meaning "shadow green"), used in southern China during this period to hold grain and other offerings inside of tombs. It has an elongated body, with a smooth lower half that stands on a round foot. The upper half has applied figures: twelve robed, abstract humans form a border above which is a soaring dragon. Iconography of the decoration combines human figures with a variety of real and mythological creatures including dragon, phoenix, crane, stag, and others. Urns such as this one was intended to hold grain and other offerings placed inside tombs. A delicate lid capped by a phoenix or crane bird perches atop the vessel; this also has four loops for suspension, as well as for tying the lid onto the vessel. Size: L:Set of 2; 660mm/680mm / W:130mm ; 5.2kg. Provenance: UK private collection; formerly acquired in the early 1990s in Hong Kong.