Asian Art Auction

December 04, 2017

LOT 159

Lot 159

A Green-Glazed Three Tier Pottery Tower, Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 220)

A Green-Glazed Three Tier Pottery Tower, Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 220)
Lot 159 Details
A Green-Glazed Three Tier Pottery Tower, Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 220)

Potted in three separate tiers, the largest providing the foundation and the further two storeys descending in size, each with an overhanging tile roof, the larger two supported by corbels and set with decorative florets, each storey with a series of windows, some ajar to reveal the space within, glazed over the surface in pale tones of iridescent green
height 39 in — 106.7 cm
Old Sotheby’s New York tag, lot 43

Estimate $4,000-$6,000

Realised: $6,250
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
A Green-Glazed Three Tier Pottery Tower, Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 220)
  • A Green-Glazed Three Tier Pottery Tower, Han Dynasty (206 BC - AD 220)
Note:

During the Han Dynasty, burials commonly included tomb pottery. The pieces were miniature versions of elements that one would require in the afterlife, such as animals, oil lamps, housing, and joyful figures such as musicians and dancers. These symbolic items not only provide insight into Han burial traditions and their cultural attitude towards death and the afterlife, but offer visual evidence of architectural styles, and the design of tools and implements. As many of these elements would have been crafted of wood that has long since deteriorated, these miniature, three-dimensional pottery replicas provide valuable insight into the aesthetic of daily life in the Han Dynasty.

A similar example sold at Christie’s New York, March 21, 2000, lot 246

CONDITION DETAILS

For condition information please contact the specialist.

LOT 159
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About Condition Ratings

  • 5 Stars: Excellent - No discernable damage, flaws or imperfections
  • 4 Stars: Very Good - Minor flaws or imperfections visible only under close inspection using specialised instruments or black light
  • 3 Stars: Good - Minor flaws visible upon inspection under standard lighting
  • 2 Stars: Fair - Exhibits flaws or damage that may draw the eye under standard lighting
  • 1 Star: Poor - Flaws or damage immediately apparent under standard lighting (examples: missing components, rips, broken glass, damaged surfaces, etc.)

Note: Condition ratings and condition details are the subjective opinions of our specialists and should be used as a guide only. Waddington’s uses due care when preparing condition details, however, our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. Condition details and reports are not warranties and each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the buyer’s terms and conditions of sale. In all cases the prospective purchaser is responsible for inspecting the property themselves prior to placing a bid.