TRIPOD VESSEL WITH LID Lot n° 577

TRIPOD VESSEL WITH LID Terracotta with original painting China, Western Han dynasty (206 BCE - 9 CE) This terracotta vessel was not used for cooking, and certainly not as a part of the burial arrangement, but rather served as a symbol for prosperity and status. Characteristic of the vessel is its round form set atop with a three small, but powerful, zoomorphic legs as well as vertically flanging handles located on the sides. The painting, applied onto a dark-gray background, features the colors white, light blue and red soil. The patterns are quite freely and generously painted and derived from those on old bronzes. The painting is especial-ly well preserved on the vaulted lid. A very similar, approximately same-sized piece, excavated in Luoyang (Henan) is reproduced in Treasures from the Han, on page 90. Dimensions: HEIGHT 16 CM Condition: Complete, age-related condition. The paint well preserved. Provenance: Collection of Herbert Keuper, Germany