A Xingyao loop-handled vase, Five dynasties | 五代 邢窰白釉四繋穿帶壺

The Yi Lan Tang Collection, acquired in Hong Kong, 2007.

Christie's Hong Kong, 9th July 2020, lot 2815.

倚嵐堂收藏，2007年購於香港

香港佳士得2020年7月9日，編號2815

The esteemed ‘Xing’ kilns, located in the counties of Neiqiu and Lincheng in Hebei province, held a prominent position as the most accomplished producers of white wares during the 10th century. The elegant form of this vase, featuring four lug-handles, each incised with a cross motif, bears clear inspiration from the pouch-shaped leather flasks used by the Khitans, who were deeply rooted with nomadic and horse-riding culture.

See three Xingyao white-glazed flasks of similar form, also dating to the Five Dynasties: one is in the Shanghai Museum, and the second in the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco, both illustrated in Xing Kiln of China, Beijing, 2012, p. 378 and 399; Compare also a third similar example sold at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 3 June 2016, lot 674.