A Very Rare Chinese Black Pottery Amphora – Han Dynasty or earlier. This rare and interesting pottery jar appears to be a forerunner to the more well-known anthropomorphic examples, those of a similar form but with the "swirls" to the body possibly representing the female form. It is relatively highly-fired and has a smooth burnished surface. Interestingly, on the base and lower body are rusty deposits showing that this jar lay alongside an iron object during its long burial. Height 16.5 cm (6.5 inches). Condition is exceptional with no sign of restoration or repair. Western Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 8), or earlier.

Provenance: from the collection of the late Brian Page (1938-2018), the well-known Oriental art and antiques dealer from Brighton.