Lower Xiajiadian Culture Tripod Li Jar, 2000–1500 BCE

The tri-lobed shape and combed ridges of this cooking pot increased heating efficiency by maximizing the vessel’s surface area. The shape of a bronze vessel li, with the body rising out of three hollow pointed legs to a wide moiuth with splayed-out rim. The exterior is covered with cord impressed pattern. The surface shows signs of oxidation from being buried in the soil for a long time. Period: Zhou or Shang dynasty circa 1000 B.C.E. Medium : Grey earthenware with impressed decoration Type : Tripod vessel Size : 29cm (Height) x 35cm(Diameter) Condition : Good Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong Reference : 1) V&A Museum - ACCESSION NUMBER C.87-1954 2) Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art - ACCESSION NUMBER F1984.13 3) The University of Chicago - OBJECT NUMBER 1989.1 4) The MET - Accession Number: 1972.275.5 5) Kyoto National Museum - Three-footed Earthenware Vessel * Shang Dynasty Pottery (1600-1046 BCE) The Shang dynasty, known for its significant advancements in bronze casting, also produced notable pottery. Shang pottery is characterized by its practical use and simple designs, reflecting the utilitarian needs of the society. The pottery from this period includes both coarse wares used for everyday purposes and fine, high-quality ceramics used in ritualistic contexts. Common forms include jars, bowls, and cups, often with a dark, burnished surface. One distinctive feature of Shang pottery is the use of gray clay, and many pieces display clear signs of oxidation, giving them a unique, mottled appearance. The decorations were typically incised or stamped, featuring geometric patterns, zoomorphic designs, and motifs that are also seen in Shang bronze...

Fine-grained, buff-colored clay. Potted thin. Upper part of body painted with symbolic patterns in black and chocolate brown. Majiayao culture, Banshan type, 3rd millennium BC Peri...

The globular body is supported on three claw feet and is covered in a splashed-glaze of amber, green and cream color, which stops short of the unglazed base. Date : Tang Dynasty(61...

This jar would have served as a mortuary object (mingqi), placed in a tomb as a substitute for the more valuable bronze and lacquer vessels. Along with a variety of other funerary earthenware objects, attendant figures, and animals, richly decorated vessels of this kind were intended to serve the spirit of the deceased in the afterlife. Period : Han dynasty Type : Jar Medium : Earthenware Dimension : 28.5 cm(Height) x 11cm(Mouth Diameter) Condition : Good(Overall in well-preserved ancient burial condition with some soil still adhering (showing minor abrasions and wear due to prolonged burial underground) Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong * Han Dynasty Earthenware...

A charming Korean high fired gray pottery stoneware footed vessel, Three Kingdoms Period, Silla Kingdom, circa 6th century. The vessel of traditiona...

Chinese Neolithic Pottery Jar from the Majiayao Culture, specifically the Machang phase, in northwest China, and dating back roughly 4000 yea...

Chinese Neolithic Pottery Jar from the Majiayao Culture, specificaly the Machang phase, in northwest China, and dating back roughly 4000 year...

With a graceful silhouette and subdued color palette, this lotus offering vase from the early Ming dynasty (1368-1644) resonates calm and sophistication. Sculpted centuries ago in Yu...