Chinese Han Dynasty Proto-Porcelain Jar 

Chinese, Han Dynasty.  A rare Proto-Porcelain jar, with well potted spherical body, having three glaze surrounding bands.  Top two band with incised dragons, the mouth with flat molded lip, with two mask handles, with the amber glaze ending at the widest part of the body revealing the buff ware lower half of the vessel burnt brown in the firing; ht. 12 in. 

Compare with similar jars in Dekai Toji Zenshu, vol. 8, pg. 218, fig. 147; and illustrations by Karlbeck, Proto Porcelaine and Yueh Ware.  

  For a similar example, see: Sotheby's, New York, Nov. 8, 1980, Lot 76.

For another example without incised lines, see: Sotheby's, New York, December 4, 1984, Lot 127. 

Provenance: Acquired Sotheby's New York, 1990s.