Chinese Warring States Blackware Jar

Of Eastern Zhou style helmet from a statue(?), domed with raised panels to the brim and vertical crest, hollow-formed spike above; the face-opening with shallow peak to the upper edge. 3.07 kg, 36 cm high



Acquired in the 1990s. From a UK collection.

The earliest bronze helmets in China date back to the Shang Dynasty, covered the neck and ears, and were often decorated with taotie masks and animal faces to make the warrior appear fearsome. Chou (Zhou) bronze helmets were similar to the Shang types but less elaborately decorated, and it is thought that the hood-shaped styles of the later Han Dynasty were metal copies of older leather versions.

On an integral rectangular base; naturalistic execution with head facing downwards and slightly to the animal's left, expressive eyes and mouth held open exposing two rows of teeth; ornately caparisoned, saddle and saddle cloth with delicate foliate motif; remains of polychrome pigmentation. 13.2 kg, 58 cm wide

Fine condition.

Acquired 1970-1990s. From a private West Country collection. Accompanied by an original thermoluminescence analysis report no.C122g62 from Oxford Authentication. This lot has been checked against the Interpol Database of stolen works of art and is accompanied by search certificate no.11519-195277.

Piriform bodied with two opposed Tao Tie, each holding a free-running ring in its mouth, further decorated with a shallow incised dragon to one face and a figure holding a cup on the other, together with an inscription in Chinese; tripod feet formed as squatting animals; restoration to the rings and feet. 3.8 kg, 35.5 cm high



with Galerie Golconda May 2006. Ex private collection, London, UK. Accompanied by a thermoluminescence report no.11270306 from Laboratory Ralf Kotalla dated 5 May 2006.

Dragons in ancient Chinese art could be religious symbols, representatives of clans and creatures linking man to the spirit world. The Tao Tie often evoked mystery and beauty.