A LARGE YUEYAO FUNERARY JAR

Details

A LARGE YUEYAO FUNERARY JAR
3RD/4TH CENTURY

The ovoid body applied with lions, figures and baskets of peaches, all below a pagoda-like superstructure encircled at the base by a row of figures, with birds perched on the many tiled roofs and with an opening on one side from which peer recumbent lions and a dog, the pale gray ware covered overall with a glaze of pale gray-green color, some losses--20in. (50.8cm.) high

Lot Essay

For a discussion of similar funerary jars see Y. Mino and R. Tsiang, Ice and Green Clouds, pp.74-77. The authors note that the storage jars are symbols of wealth and abundance. For other examples see M. Medley, The Art of the Chinese Potter, fig.42; M. and C. Beurdeley, Chinese Ceramics, pl. 8; Sekai Toji Zenshu, Kawadeshoba Series, vol.8, pl. 17; Chugoku Toji Zenshu, vol. 4, pls. 26 and 36; and J.M. Addis, Chinese Ceramics from Datable Tombs, p. 6, pl. 2