Ca. 206 BC-220 AD. Han Dynasty. A beautiful rare ceramic vase with a beige fabric and glossy brown slip. The vase comprises an elongated neck and an ovoid body supported by a cylindrical ring foot. Several bands of incised direction run around the vessel and feature geometric patterns as well as depictions of dragons and other beasts; two applied taotie masks on the shoulder feature long tongues which also serve as handles. The taotie are mythological creatures commonly appearing in ancient Chinese art, where they are commonly associated with the Four Evils of the World, possibly suggesting that this vase was used for ritual purposes. The Han Dynasty, which ruled between 202 BC–220 AD, brought great prosperity and stability to China, reigning over a golden age of classical Chinese civilisation during which China saw major advances including the widespread development of a monetary economy and the invention of paper, as well as much progress in the decorative arts. This piece has been precisely dated having undergone Thermo Luminescence analysis by Ralf Kotalla, an independent German Laboratory. The samples collected date the piece to the period reflected in its style, whilst also showing no modern trace elements. Its TL certificate with full report will also accompany this lot. Excellent condition.Size: L:520mm / W:300mm ; 7.5kg; Provenance; Property of a Central London gallery, acquired from an established English collection; formerly acquired in Hong Kong, Hollywood Antique Center in the early 1990s.