Ancient Chinese Neolithic Pottery Amphora Vase Yangshao Culture - 2500 BC

Pricing & History

Sold for
Start Free Trial or Sign In to see what it's worth.
Sold Date
Source eBay

A genuine, large and decorative ancient Chinese Yangshao terracotta vase. Produced around 3000 BC, this remarkable piece dates to half a millennia before Chinese civilization first emerged from the mists of prehistory. So-called Yangshao wares are not only abstract artworks of extreme age but reflect the birth of one of the world's oldest and most successful cultures.The vessel has the bold, confident and attractive form typical of Yangshao pottery. With a large piriform body, flaring neck and strap handles. Despite its pleasing uniform appearance, this piece was entirely handmade without the potter's wheel. The body is decorated throughout with striking geometric and zig-zag patterns in black on a tan slip. This practice demonstrates the early use of the brush for the suggestion of motion, establishing an ancient origin for this fundamental artistic interest in Chinese history.Dating to 500 years before the first recorded Dynasty (the Xia ), this attractive piece was produced during the Majiayao phase of China's Yangshao Culture. This phase is widely regarded as the moment in which the Yangshao reached its artistic zenith, producing some spectacular forms of pottery at a remarkably early period in human history.Flourishing along China's Yellow River between the 5000 - 3000 BC the Yangshao was characterized by the development of settled communities that relied primarily on farming and domesticated animals rather than hunting and gathering. Pottery became synonymous with this transition from mobile to sedentary existence, as such, these vessels represent a seminal moment in ancient Chinese history.A beautiful and highly decorative example.For a Chinese Neolithic vessel of similar form currently on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, please see the following link. Condition: Excellent. With possible minor restoration, a very attractive example with wonderful pigment preservation. Height: 11 3/4 inches Provenance: This piece is from a large number of mostly Chinese antiques, purchased from a shop clearance in the south of England. These items were all exhibited at London department store Fortnum & Mason, approximately 15 years ago. Scans of the exhibition flyer, obtained from the previous owner, can be supplied to the buyer upon request. Please note: This is a genuine ancient Chinese Yangshao vessel. This piece is offered for sale without reserve to promote our extensive inventory of antiquities and ancient coins. Authenticity All items are unconditionally guaranteed to be Authentic as described. For added security we offer a full money-back guarantee if a recognized authority disputes the authenticity of any object sold. We send paper invoices incorporating a signed certificate of authenticity and photograph of the item. Shipping We send all collectibles Registered, Signed-for and Insured. We do not aim to profit from shipping charges. As volume sellers with preferential rates, we are mostly able to ship at below commercially available prices. For eBay customers If you wish to leave us a note or have a special request for delivery, please do not use the "item notes" on the ebay checkout. Instead, please send your request via the contact seller link. Combined shipping In some cases we can combine multiple items into a single package to save you money. However, If you plan to purchase items over the course of a day or more you must delay payment and let us know after you have purchased the first item. Otherwise all items are sent following cleared payment. Terms and conditions No Sales Tax/VAT will be charged by ourselves. We are not responsible for customs delays/duties. As legitimate sellers, we abide by United Kingdom and European Union Export regulations. We do not mis-describe items on the customs form. Please note that in most countries, antiques and collectibles are eligible for minimal/zero charges on importation. ArtAncient Limited is registered in England no. 06376708Vat registratio... read more

Items in the Price Guide are obtained exclusively from licensors and partners solely for our members’ research needs.

Flag item for content or copyright

If this item contains incorrect or inappropriate information please contact us here to flag it for review.

If you are the originator/copyright holder of this photo/item and would prefer it be excluded from our community, contact us here for removal.