Painted terracotta
China, Tang dynasty (618-906)/Liao dynasty (916-1125)
Consists of three pieces
Bulbous vessel with top in pagoda-type
Hollow base in lotus shape
Lions sitting on a round base
Lid resembles a two storied roof
Dimension: 84,5 x 39 cm
Good condition
Provenance: Private collection, Basel
Object is regular taxed. Differential taxation is not possible

This pagoda-shaped pot served as a ritual vessel at burials. Comparable pieces can be found in the Henan Museum and in the Shaanxi Museum in China. Compare also a Tang reliquary vessel on a lotus stand, carried by an elephant and with a pagoda-shaped lid, in the exhibition ‘The Silk Road’ in Singapore.



The dating of this piece is consistent with the results of an Oxford Thermoluminescence Analysis Report.



Literature:

The Silk Road: Treasures of Tang China, Empress Place Museum, Singapore 1991, p. 115; Zhongguo taoci quanji, vol. 6, Shanghai 2000, p. 128; Dai tô Chô An ten, Kyoto Bunka Hakubutsukan, Kyoto 1994, cat. no. 47; Shaanxi Sheng Bowuguan, Beijing 1990, p. 78.



Condition:

The container is in good condition for its age with the usual signs of use. The height measures 84.5 cm and diameter 39 cm.

Shipping costs excl. statutory VAT and plus 2,5% (+VAT) shipping insurance.