RARE CHINESE HAN DYNASTY TERRACOTTA VESSEL PAINTED WITH

Ca. 206 BC-220 AD. Han Dynasty. Stunning large ceramic vase with a dark fabric, painted with animal scenes. The vase comprises a flaring rim, curved, round body and flat base. Yellow and red painted net decoration survives on the neck and geometric patterns, possibly representing drapery, are visible on the shoulder. The body shows different scenes of animals in movement. The Han Dynasty, which ruled between 202 BC - 220 AD, brought great prosperity and stability to China, reigning over a golden age of classical Chinese civilisation during which China saw major advances including the widespread development of a monetary economy and the invention of paper, as well as much progress in the decorative arts. Provenance: Private British collection; previously in Brian Page collection since the 1980s. Size: L:265mm / W:290mm ; 4.45kg