TANG DYNASTY (618-907)

Pouring vessels of this shape are very rare. More common are the ewers such as the one sold in these rooms, 20 March 2001, lot 139, with ovoid bodies and simple double-strap handles. However, there are smaller pouring vessels without handles, but with similar compressed globular bodies and short cylindrical spouts, such as the two examples sold in these rooms, also on 20 March 2001, lots 112 and 128.

The handle on the present vessel echoes the handles found on the popular amphoras, some of which also have applied floral decorations on their shoulder, such as the example sold in these rooms, 29 March 2006, lot 387.