depicting an imperial dragon with flaming pearls. The rare rouge color was made possible by blending ground ruby glass and powdered gold. Particles of both of these elements can be seen distinctly under magnification.No other ceramics from this period have been found to contain these paired ingredients. Microscopic enhanced image showing the ruby glass and…
Category: Chinese
Tang Dynasty Amphora with dragon handles, 618-906 CE.
The studded dragon handles give the impression of beasts drinking from this vessel. This type of amphora is believed to have been inspired by Persian silver ewers, illustrating the cosmopolitan tastes of the Tang court. This vessel is extremely rare, both for quality and condition, and for its pure monochrome color. The gray-white of the…
16th Century dragon, of Ming dynasty style and period
This is an architectural piece, probably posed as the roof pediment at the entry to a religious building. Dragons were meant to portray the emperor, the strength of the emperor, and the heavens. Size: 15 1/2”L x 9”H
18th Century Cobalt and Gold Kendi.
This specialized vessel has its origins in the shapes of containers made for the ruling class in Persia.
Sang de Boeuf Bowl.
18th Century monochrome sang de boeuf bowl. This vessel, of classic form, is colored with iron oxides. Mark and period of the emperor, Ch’ien Lung (Qianlong), which continued from 1735 to 1795.
Spice jar
18th Century Chinese underglaze blue and white spice jar, with the original lid. This is an intensely decorated jar, fully ornamented with a motif. The design, with vertical panels of white on blue bamboo, was made for the southeast Asian market.
An Earth Spirit
(Lokapala), whose job is to provide protection against evil spirits. This statue has a head ornament of a bird figure, and epaulets of tigers’ faces, thus making this item quite rare. Only the phoenix and the tiger can introduce the deceased into the afterlife, making this specimen far more important than more typical earth spirits. …
A Tang Dynasty scholar, dating to the early 10th century.
his type of figure was placed in the tomb to accompany the deceased into the afterlife and provide intellectual companionship through eternity.
One of four Earth Spirits from the Tang Dynasty (ca. 850 CE).
An earth spirit’s role is to protect the tomb from evil spirits, with one figure placed at each of the four cardinal directions.
Chinese Cider Jug
This blue and white pitcher, actually a cider jug, is approximately 180 years old. The intricate handles of this style of vessel almost never survive, as they are so fragile. The jug has retained its original lid, which is also unusual.