Bidspirit auction | A PAIR OF TERRACOTTA VESSELS

A PAIR OF TERRACOTTA VESSELS IN THE FORM OF A RAM, HAN DYNASTY (206 BC-220 AD) - This vessel, covered in remnants of white paint that may have originally served as a base coat for additional colors that have since faded away, has taken the form of a recumbent ram. The large, hollow oval body serves as the container. The outstretched legs rest on the ground and stabilize the vessel, keeping it from rolling over on itself. A ram head emerges from the front end. However, the face does not particularly evoke the image of a ram; instead, the facial features are more related to Han era equine sculptures. It is the arching horns that rise out of the top of the head that identify the creature as a ram. Otherwise, an opening projects from the top of the animal’s back. Precious liquids like wine or water would have been poured into the vessel through this opening. On the back end, a truncated tail functions as a spout. We can imagine servants presenting this vessel to guests at an elegant dinner party for nobles and court officials: as the containers was tipped, wine would have gently poured forth from the tail; a truly charming way to serve refreshments. Height: 23 cm. Lenght: 33 cm. Width: 17 cm. With an Oxford TL Test.