A SANCAI-GLAZED POTTERY AMPHORA TANG DYNASTY

elegantly potted with tapering ovoid body, a slender waisted neck and a pair of curved double-strap handles applied with bosses and terminating in confronting dragon heads that grasp the cup-shaped mouth, all splash-glazed in green and amber from the mouth to just below the high-rounded shoulder ending in an irregular line on the fine-grained pinkish-buff body, raised on a flat foot with beveled edge

Collection of Norio Azuma (1928-2004), acquired in the 1950s.

The body has a restored crack or break running horizonally around the widest point. The upper part of one handle has been broken off and restored back on, and there is restoration to the tips of two of the 'ear' motifs on the handles. There is also a small filled chip to the edge of the foot.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A very similar example is illustrated in Toji Zenshu - To Sansai, vol. 25, Japan, 1961, no. 8. Others are in the Musée Guimet, Paris, illustrated in Oriental Ceramics, The World's Great Collections, vol. 7, Tokyo, New York, San Francisco, 1981, col. pl. 7; and in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, illustrated by S. Valenstein, A Handbook of Chinese Ceramics, New York, 1989 (rev. ed.), no. 58.

The dating of this vase is consistent with the result of Oxford Authentication Ltd. thermoluminescence test no. C111k47.