Ancient Chinese, Han dynasty Vase - 45 cm

Title: Great Han Dynasty Storage Jar with Polychrome Paint Decoration – 45 cm high – featuring a white horse – 206 BC – 220 AD Description: An impressive, large terracotta storage jar from the Han Dynasty, with an original polychrome painting in red, purple, green and white pigments. The jar has a flowing, bulbous body, a long, tapering neck and a slightly flared mouth rim. An elegant silhouette typical of funerary ceramics from the early imperial period. The painted decoration is particularly rich and dynamic, with stylized cloud and wave motifs, as well as mythical creatures and animals. Notably, there is the depiction of a white horse with black outlines, visible on the lower register of the body. This motif is rare and may refer to the famous “Heavenly Horse” (tianma), which during the Han era was revered as a symbol of strength, speed and status. Horses played a crucial role in military power and imperial transport of the Han realm. The paint is applied directly to the surface without glaze – a typical characteristic of Han funerary ceramics. Despite its age and burial traces, many colors remain well visible. The presence of decorative lines and patterns across the entire jar makes this object exceptionally attractive to collectors of archaic Chinese art. Dimensions: Height: approx. 45 cm Diameter: approx. 30 cm Condition: Good condition with aging and wear, including pigment loss and superficial scratches. No visible cracks or restorations. Original paint decoration still clearly visible, with traces of white lime deposition, typical of grave finds. Period: Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD) Provenance: Old European collection. Acquired in the 1980s, Special features: Rare depiction of a white horse Original painting with natural pigments Excellent example of Han funerary ceramics Aesthetically and historically valuable object

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