East Asia, China, Western Han Dynasty, ca. 206 BCE to 220 CE. Anb egg shaped vessel known as a cocoon jar, upon a foto with a flared rim in the venter. The surface was probably once painted, but only after firing and has long since worn away without the protection of glaze. Cocoon vessels may have been used to store and serve precious liquids such as wine or other fermented beverages. The silk industry during the Han Dynasty provided immense wealth- the silkworm cocoon is celebrated via the shape of this vessel. In addition to being emblems of status and wealth, ultimately, these vessels became funerary offerings for the afterlife. Size: 6.3" L x 11.625" W x 10.375" H (16 cm x 29.5 cm x 26.4 cm)

Provenance: private Vero Beach, Florida, USA collection, acquired before 2003

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

We ship worldwide to most countries and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience.

#178142

Chipping to interior, with abrasions and fading to pigment across exterior, otherwise in great condition. Nice preservation to overall form.