CHINESE HAN DYNASTY TERRACOTTA VESSEL

C. 206 BC - 220 AD. Han Dynasty. Beautiful ceramic vase with a dark fabric and glossy cream-coloured slip. The vase comprises a flaring rim, elongated neck and around globular body supported by a cylindrical ring foot. Bands of linear direction run around the vessel. Two loop handles protrude from the top of the body. 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:380mm / W:260mm ; 4.45kg