Lot 1 – A RARE NEOLITHIC PERIOD (1500–1000 BCE) JAR (GUAN), XINDIAN CULTURE

A RARE NEOLITHIC PERIOD (1500–1000 BCE) JAR (GUAN), XINDIAN CULTURE

China, Earthenware
1500–1000 BCE

A rare and fine Neolithic pottery jar (guan), attributed to the Xindian culture, a significant civilization that flourished in north-central China, named after the typesite at Xindian village, Lintao xian, Gansu province. This exceptional artifact with lug handles provides a captivating glimpse into the artistry and craftsmanship of ancient Chinese potters. It is made from a coarse clay with a painted yoke-shape design which is the distinguishing mark of Xindian wares. It also shows indentations of a support mould, possibly a woven basket that supported the underside when forming the jar. The jar is also thin walled – the theory is that the clay was beated thin with paddles when it was hardened.

HEIGHT 15 in, DIAMETER 10 in

Condition: Very good condition for an artifact of its age. There are minor chips on the mouth rim and some surface abrasions consistent with age and handling. No major cracks or restorations are present.

Museum Comparison: Compare a closely related jar bearing a similar shape and
design in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The MET), New York, accession no.
1994.605.133. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/44429

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China, Earthenware
1500–1000 BCE

A rare and fine Neolithic pottery jar (guan), attributed to the Xindian culture, a significant civilization that flourished in north-central China, named after the typesite at Xindian village, Lintao xian, Gansu province. This exceptional artifact with lug handles provides a captivating glimpse into the artistry and craftsmanship of ancient Chinese potters. It is made from a coarse clay with a painted yoke-shape design which is the distinguishing mark of Xindian wares. It also shows indentations of a support mould, possibly a woven basket that supported the underside when forming the jar. The jar is also thin walled - the theory is that the clay was beated thin with paddles when it was hardened.

HEIGHT 15 in, DIAMETER 10 in

Condition: Very good condition for an artifact of its age. There are minor chips on the mouth rim and some surface abrasions consistent with age and handling. No major cracks or restorations are present.

Museum Comparison: Compare a closely related jar bearing a similar shape and
design in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (The MET), New York, accession no.
1994.605.133. https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/44429

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