‘Changsha’ Ewer - Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907)

A fine and rare ‘Changsha’ ewer.

Stoneware, Iron based glaze.

Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907).

Possibly from the Tongguan kilns, Hunan, South China.

H: 18.2cm W: 15cm.

Of ovoid form, the rounded shoulders rise to a short cylindrical neck with flared rims. A faceted short spout and three fluted handles have been applied on the shoulder of this vessel.

The three appliqué decorations on the sides of the ewer are splashed with a dark brown iron-manganese glaze that pools towards the bottom, covered all over is a translucent light greyish-green glaze that comes to an uneven halt just above the foot exposing the chalky white coloured body.

The Changsha kilns located south of the Yangtze river in Hunan province reached its peak from the late Tang dynasty - Five dynasties (AD907-960), producing large volumes of high-fired stoneware, which were highly desired overseas, particularly Indonesia, Iran and Egypt.

The appliqué decorations on this vessel reinforce this link between Tang China and the Middle East by exhibiting what seems to be a foreign tambourine playing jester, a flute player with an attendant and a white bearded foreign dancer. The relief would have been produced independently from a mould, then applied to the ewer.

A similar piece depicting dancers and foreign musicians was excavated at the Tongguan kilns site in 1958 and is now in the Hunan provincial museum. 

Dimensions

Price on application

This object is eligible for a Certificate of BADA Provenance

Stock number