China, Han Dynasty, Pair of Ding tripod vases

Chine, Dynastie Han, Paire de vases tripodes Ding 2

Description
Information

China
Han Dynasty
Pair of tripod vases called Ding
Height : 17 cm
Length : 27 cm
Pair of vases with globular body flattened and vertical handles resting upon three small feet shaped like a dragon.
The cover bears a decoration in relief spread across two concentric zones. The first, in which can also be find thre little conical protuburances (on the bronze copies they allow to rest the
upturned lid) presenting two green dragons (symbols of the East)
On the exterior band, real animals (hog, rabbit, dog, deer) and mythical (tiger and dragon) confronting each other pursuing each other in cloudy waves.
This pair are mingqi, objects placed in tombs. Mingqi literally means "shiny" and these are "shiny" objects meant to shine eternally in tombs. Terracotta
Moulded red, relief decoration under lead green glazing due to the utilisation of copper oxide.

The chinese discovered numerous techniques to perfect the beauty of their potteries. These pieces are the testimony to one of these techniques: lead green glazing. The two vases have restorations
on one foot and on two handles on one of the vases.

Han : (-206 - -220) The Han dynasty was an imperial dynasty of China ruling the country between -206 before J.C and -220 after J.C. It has been preceded by the Qin dynasty and followed by the Three Kingdoms.