A TWIN-DRAGON HANDLED AMPHORA VASE, TANG DYNASTY

拍品描述

A TWIN-DRAGON HANDLED AMPHORA VASE, TANG DYNASTY Scientific Analysis Report: A thermoluminescence analysis report issued by Oxford Authentication on 24 August 2026, based on sample number P126m1, sets the firing date of the sample taken between 900 and 1500 years ago, consistent with the dating above. A copy of the report accompanies this lot. China, 618-906. Superbly potted, the well-rounded ovoid body rising from a flat foot, surmounted by a waisted neck and cupped mouth, flanked by a pair of curved strap handles terminating in dragon heads at the lipped rim. Covered with a finely crackled pale straw glaze that falls on the body in an irregular line exposing the buff ware. Dimensions: Height 39.1 cm Expert’s note: Tang amphorae of this flamboyant form, with freely modeled dragon heads, are among the most characteristic vessel forms of the early Tang dynasty and reflect the international spirit of the period. Their form was inspired by Hellenistic glass vases made in the Roman Empire whose style reached China via the Silk Route, where it was modified by the addition of dragon heads. One of the rare extant Roman glass vessels of this form, which is based on Greek pottery vessels, is the famous amphora found in Olbia, on the Black Sea (today Ukraine), which can be dated to the 2nd half of the 2nd century AD, and is now on display in the Altes Museum, Berlin, Germany, identity number 30219, 254. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related amphora with dragon-shaped handles, 34.3 cm high, dated 7th century, in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, accession number 29.100.217. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Christie’s New York, 18 March 2016, lot 1489 Price: USD 13,750 or approx. EUR 16,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the closely related form, the dragon handles, color of the glaze, and size (36.3 cm). Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Sotheby’s New York, 19 March 2013, lot 22 Price: USD 17,500 or approx. EUR 21,500 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Expert remark: Compare the similar form, dragon handles, and color of the glaze.

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