Straw-glazed Stoneware Amphora, China, Tang dynasty, oviform with a slightly waisted neck surmounted with a dish-shape mouth, the well-rounded shoulder tapering downward to the slightly outcurved flat bisque base, two molded dragon-inspired strap handles rising from the shoulder with their heads down into the amphora mouth, partially glazed in transparent green with allover fine craquelure, ht. 21 3/8 in.

Provenance: Acquired in July 1992; to Christie's New York, September 19, 2007, Lot 232.

Note: TL test consistent with suggested date. For similar examples see two amphora from the collections of The Art Institute of Chicago and The Metropolitan Museum of Art in the exhibition Chinese Ceramics from the Prehistoric Period through Ch'ien Lung, Los Angeles County Museum, March 14-April 27, 1952, p. 63 in exhibition catalog, nos. 85 and 86.
Estimate $10,000-15,000

chip to one of the tips of the ears, minor potting flaws, bumps from clay impurities, firing flaws with cracks, chips on glaze.


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