Chinese Cizhou Glazed Jar

A pair of ceramic male figures modelled standing in dynamic poses, likely playing a game of cuju, each wearing a floor-length robe and balancing a ball on one foot; one figure leaning forwards with his arms held behind his back, looking down towards the ball balanced on the end of his raised right foot; one figure moving his arms in opposite directions in an attempt to regain his balance, head leaning left, his right leg bent across his body at the knee, balancing a ball on the heel of his foot; each with semi-naturalistic facial features and hair tied in a top knot; extensive remains of polychrome pigmentation. 6.85 kg total, 38.5-42.5 cm high



Ex Hong Kong collection. London Mayfair gallery, UK. Accompanied by thermoluminescence analysis report nos. C122k26 and C122k25 from Oxford Authentication. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate number no.11697-199217.

Cuju is the earliest recorded game of football which involved kicking a ball through a net without the use of the hands.

A rectangular ceramic brick displaying a polychrome dancing figure within a shaped niche. 3.7 kg, 32 cm



Acquired 1970-1990s. Ex Hong Kong collection. From a private West Country collection.

A copper-alloy mount in the form of a horse standing left, its head facing downwards; some remaining detailing to the body and tail; two mounting lugs to the reverse. 75 grams, 86 mm

Fine condition.

Acquired 1980-2015. Ex Abelita family collection.