Chinese Neolithic Xiajiadian Pottery Tripod Vessel

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It's a Small World | Diminutive Artifacts

By Artemis Gallery

Nov 11, 2021

Set Reminder 2021-11-11 12:00:00 2021-11-11 12:00:00 America/New_York Bidsquare Bidsquare : It's a Small World | Diminutive Artifacts https://www.bidsquare.com/auctions/artemis-gallery/its-a-small-world-diminutive-artifacts-7836
Join us for a very special auction featuring art & artifacts from East to West, North to South, and everywhere in between - with one small thing in common - size! Everything in this auction is approximately 6 inches or less - perfect for that last bit of shelf space in your curio cabinet! Artemis Gallery info@artemisgallery.com

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• Lot Description
  East Asia, Northeast China, Middle Neolithic, Xiajiadian culture, ca. 5000 to 3000 BCE. A fascinating pottery vessel with 3 pointed legs, a squat body, and a gently flared rim, all enveloped in a lovely black slip. This ancient vessel was created by the Xiajiadian peoples of the northeastern section of China, a culture that in time shifted from a pastoral civilization to one with more defined social divisions. While tripod vessels were first created in China in the early Neolithic period (7000 to 5000 BCE), those with hollow legs resulting in the characteristic Li tripods as well as Gui tripod pitchers did not appear until the middle Neolithic era (ca. 5000 to 3000 BCE). Numerous scholars have associated the shapes of these tripods with the udders of goats and cows and have concluded that they were used for significant ritualistic activities. Size: 3.3" in diameter x 3.8" H (8.4 cm x 9.7 cm)
  
  The hollow legs indicated a technological innovation that is particular to the Chinese. According to the curatorial staff of University of New Mexico's Maxwell Museum, "By the time the hollow legs were created, ceramic technology allowed for vessels that could be placed directly in a fire without fear of cracking. As evidenced by scorching and soot found on excavated examples, Li and Gui tripods were placed directly into the fire where their contents could be heated and cooked more economically than in earlier vessels. The shape remained popular for many centuries, eventually being replicated in bronze during the Shang and Zhou dynasties."
  
  Provenance: Private Masontown, Pennsylvania, USA collection, acquired in the 1990s
  
  All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
  
  A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
  
  PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance), we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia or Germany, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
  
  Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.
  
  #165981

  Condition

  Repair to rim with restoration over break lines. Expected nicks and abrasions throughout, commensurate with age. Otherwise, very nice with impressive remaining pigments.
• Shipping Info

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