CHINA, LIAO DYNASTY (AD 907-1125)

In the early Liao period, 10th century, a number of small ewers and jars were made with either amber or copper-green glazes covering distinctive incised and applied decoration. Leaf-like appliques similar to those on the present ewer can be seen on a green-glazed ewer of similar shape in the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, illustrated by M. Medley, T'ang Pottery & Porcelain, London, 1981, p. 136, no. 134, as well as on two ewers of Liao date in the Falk Collection sold at Christie's New York, 21 September 2001, lots 29 and 30.

Oxford thermoluminescence test no. P114n74 is consistent with the dating of this lot.