South East Asian Coiled Bracelet

A large ceramic jar in Han style with rolled rim to the mouth, bulbous shoulder and broad base; fine detailing in original pigments including a band of meander pattern to the shoulder and stylised lion(?) and dragon to the body, lotus petals to the base. 7.4 kg, 44.5 cm

Fair condition. Very rare.

Ex West Country collection, Bath, Somerset, UK, 1970-2000s.

A ceramic horse and female rider figure, modelled in the round on a rhomboidal base; the horse portrayed with semi-naturalistic anatomical detailing, medium-length mane, short tail dressed with a ribbon, its head angled slightly downwards and ears pricked forwards; the female rider modelled seated in a saddle, wearing a knee-length robe and boots, arms held in front of her body, hands held in a gripping position to accept reins (absent), her hair dressed in a top knot, stylised facial features; extensive remains of polychrome pigmentation. 5.1 kg, 45 cm high



Acquired in the 1990s. From a North Yorkshire private collection, UK. Accompanied by an original thermoluminescence analysis report no.C122h21 from Oxford Authentication.

In Tang art, poetry and painting the horse was exalted. The delight taken in portraying horses became an end in itself. Women were made to mount them, according to the Tang conception, so that the two can be considered together, introducing in China a fashion from Kotan.

An erotic folding book on cloth and woven paper. 259 grams, 18.5 x 9.5 cm



From an old Exeter, UK, ethnographical collection.