A LARGE BLUE-SPOTTED AND SANCAI-GLAZED POTTERY EWER AND COVER WITH CROUCHING RABBITS, TANG DYNASTY

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A LARGE BLUE-SPOTTED AND SANCAI-GLAZED POTTERY EWER AND COVER WITH CROUCHING RABBITS, TANG DYNASTY Scientific Analysis Report: A thermoluminescence analysis report issued by Oxford Authentication on 4 August 2025, based on sample number C125k22, sets the firing date of the two samples taken between 900 and 1500 years ago, consistent with the dating above. A copy of the report accompanies this lot. Expert’s note: This ewer is remarkable and of extraordinary rarity for several reasons. Most importantly, no other example of this specific form—more commonly associated with Tang-dynasty funerary jars (wan nian)—is recorded in either a public or private collection. Although the crouching rabbits are of a classic design, their use as handles is highly unusual. Finally, the combination of blue splashes with sancai glazes, applied here to dramatic effect, lends the vessel striking visual richness and distinction. China, 618-907. The spherical body rising from a spreading foot and neatly pared base to a short waisted neck with everted rim, the shoulder set with a cylindrical spout and a pair of loop handles in the form of crouching rabbits. The body and neck are liberally splashed with green glaze highlighted with blue spots, against an amber ground with straw-colored wax-resist spots, stopping irregularly and pooling attractively above the foot, revealing the fine white ware. The domed cover with bud-shaped finial is covered in amber, green, and straw glazes. Dimensions: Height 24.8 cm Literature comparison: Compare a related smaller blue-glazed ewer of similar form, dated to the Tang dynasty, 8 cm high, in the British Museum, registration number 1928,0420.1. Compare a related smaller white glazed jar with rabbit-shaped lugs, dated to the Tang dynasty, 8th century, 8.7 cm high, in the collection of the Tokiwayama Bunko Foundation, no. 21076. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Bonhams London, 12 May 2016, lot 24 Price: GBP 45,000 or approx. EUR 75,000 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the closely related spotted glazes and resist decoration, and most important the blue glaze splashes which are so rare. Note the different form, lacking cover, and the much smaller size (18.3 cm).

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