*China 618-907 AD Tang Dynasty Period offering vessel with Zodiac and lotus design in earthenware red pottery
Offering vessel from the Chinese Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD).
A beautiful "offering spiritual vessel" from the Yunnan province region in the ancient China. This was created in clay earthenware pottery during the Tang Dynasty period between the 618 and 907 AD. Featuring finely molded patterns with incised and high reliefs of geometric figures.
The design consists of the bombe baluster-shaped jug and a lid with a flowered knob, which are decorated in relief with two layers of finely sculpted lotus petals. Each of the 6 petals in the upper row contains humanoids figures alternated with zodiac animals. The six at the lower part are plain.
The lid is decorated with geometric figures and the knob in the lid as a lotus blossom, topped by a form known as a vase. Inscribed under the lid with Non Chinese script.
Has a combined measures including the lid of 11.5 by 7.5 inches (29.21 x 19.05 Cm).
Tang dynasty or 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, 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.
Note: These types of jars were originally excavated from Buddhist sites in the region of Yunnan, China. Used to hold sutras, dedications, or offerings, they were usually buried at the bases of temples, pagodas, or other holy sites.
Collateral: An actual letter, dated October 1, 2021 from TK Asian Antiquities Gallery, signed by Michael Teller, accompanied this piece as a certificate of authenticity. Copy will be included.
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.
Literature: Offering Vessels of Yunnan, Michael C, Teller IV. T.K. Asian Antiquities Gallery, New York 2004.
It is in nice ancient condition and has some remains of the original reddish color pigmentations.
INVENTORY REF: D0000CNAJ/.1112
