TANG DYNASTY 618-907 AD Large Vessel Vase In Earthenware Pottery And Pigments

Vase from the Chinese Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD).

This is a beautiful and oversized Chinese high fired vase with impressed geometric design, from the ancient Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) in China. The massive high fired red pottery storage jar has elegant proportions, with a wide mouth with an out-turned lip tapering downwards to a slightly concave foot. The voluptuous bold body is decorated simply with a repeating linear design and accents of white pigments. The deeply impressed design covers most of the body around, starting just under the upper mouth, and stopping just above the foot. The design was created using a carved stamp or paddle to impress the design into the gray pottery body while it was still wet. Acquired from T.K. Asian Antiquities Gallery in Williamsburg, Virginia.

Tang Dynasty 

This was a period also known as Tang Empire. Was an imperial dynasty of China that ruled from 618 to 907, with an interregnum between 690 and 705. It was preceded by the Sui dynasty and followed by the Five Dynasties and Tend Kingdoms period. Historians generally regard the Tang as a high point in Chinese civilization, and the golden age of cosmopolitan culture. Tang territory, acquired through the military campaigns of its early rulers, rivaled that of the Han dynasty. The Li family founded the dynasty, seizing power during the decline and collapse of the Sui Empire and inaugurating a period of progress and stability in the first half of the dynasty's rule. The dynasty was formally interrupted during 690–705 when Empress Wu Zetian seized the throne, proclaiming the Wu Zhou dynasty and becoming the only legitimate Chinese empress regnant. The devastating An-Lushan rebellion (755–763) shook the nation and led to the decline of central authority in the dynasty's latter half. Like the previous Sui dynasty, the Tang maintained a civil-service system by recruiting scholar-officials through standardized-examination and recommendations to office. The rise of regional military governors known as Jiedushi during the 9th century undermined this civil order. The dynasty and central government went into decline by the latter half of the 9th century; agrarian rebellions resulted in mass population loss and displacement, widespread poverty, and further government dysfunction that ultimately ended the dynasty in 907.

Chinese Pottery

This kind of pottery saw many significant developments, including the first Chinese porcelain meeting both Western and Chinese definitions of porcelain, in Ding ware and related types. The earthenware Tang dynasty tomb figures are better known in the West today, but were only made to be placed in elite tombs close to the capital in the north, between about 680 and 760. They were perhaps the last significant fine earthenware’s to be produced in China. Many are lead-glazed Sancai (three-colour) wares; others are unpainted or were painted over a slip; the paint has now often fallen off.

Measures: Diameter of 386 mm and a height of 334 mm (15.2 x 13.15 Inches).

Provenance: A private collection in New York city collected in the 1964; T.K. Asian Antiquities Gallery, Williamsburg Virginia; A private collection in Palm Beach FL; then purchased by James & Nancy Markell, Virginia 1976; then by descent to Lauren Markland, Fort Lauderdale, FL.; acquired in Palm Beach, FL. in march 7, 2021.

Condition: The overall condition of this ancient piece is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to any part. This piece has been carefully inspected to guarantee the condition and authenticity. Repaired: Minor repairs and restorations as expected. 

INVENTORY REF: D072424ENNJ/.9128