Ancient Chinese Zhou Dynasty Zodiac Pottery Vase, 500–200 Bc.

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An impressive ancient Chinese painted pottery vase, circa 500–200 BC, distinguished by its monumental form, sculptural animal handles, geometric ornament, … Read more An impressive ancient Chinese painted pottery vase, circa 500–200 BC, distinguished by its monumental form, sculptural animal handles, geometric ornament, and a series of individually framed animal motifs.
The substantial vessel has a rounded, swelling body rising to a tall cylindrical neck with a gently flared rim. Applied rope-twist bands divide the body into decorative registers and individual panels, creating a strongly modeled architectural surface. A pair of applied zoomorphic handles flank the neck, each modeled as a stylized animal with an elongated curling body.
The combination of animal imagery, geometric decoration, applied corded ornament, and sculptural handles gives the vessel a powerful archaic character associated with early Chinese funerary and ceremonial pottery traditions.
Dimensions:
19 in. Height × 12.75 in. Diameter See less