Page 44 - Decorative Arts, Part II: Far Eastern Ceramics and Paintings, Persian and Indian Rugs and Carpets

1972.43.2 (C-557)
Vase

Liao dynasty, late eleventh/early twelfth century
l
Lead-glazed earthenware, 28.6 x 16.2 (u /2 x 6%)
Harry G. Steele Collection, Gift of Grace C. Steele

TECHNICAL NOTES
This vessel is light in weight for its size. Examination of the W HILE UNUSAL, THE of h this tall, ovoid vase isSHAPe
interior suggests that it was thrown in two or more sections, similar to other examples known to have been
which were then luted together. The body is scored with hor- excavated in Liao territory. 1
izontal lines on the exterior; the lowest section is scored SL
more deeply and appears to have been shaved down to
maintain the smoothly curving profile of the wall. The wide Notes
foot-ring is roughly trimmed, and the base is slightly
recessed and glazed. L Saito i954> pis. 4,5; for a similar example, see Tseng and Dart
The vase has a cream-colored slip beneath the green glaze, 1964-19/2, i: 98.
which has an uneven crackle pattern. Glaze abrasions and
iridescence have resulted from burial of the vessel. The lip REFERENCES
has three spur marks, suggesting that the vase had another
object stacked on top of it in the kiln. Three points on the 1917 p arish-Watson: no. 62.
shoulder indicate that the vase came into contact with other
vessels, or perhaps a sagger, during firing.
PROVENANCE
H. A. E. Jaehne, Tokyo; (Parish-Watson Gallery, New York) by
1917; sold to Harry G. Steele [1881-1941], Pasadena; his widow,
Grace C. Steele.

2 8 D E C O R A T I V E A R T S