A pair of amber glazed terracotta flasks
琥珀釉赤陶雞冠壺

Liao dynasty, 11th century, China
遼 11世紀 中國

Height: 28cm, 11 inches
高28釐米

The form is imitating in the ceramic medium, the leather flasks that were used by the Liao, a semi-nomadic and pastoral people. We therefore have cylindrical bulbous vessel on a circular foot ring, the shape tapering towards the top where a crenelated loop handle joins the tubular spout. The amber glaze covers three quarters of the flask, below which a band of white slip is left exposed, below which the raw grey terracotta extends down to the foot completing a series of three colours and textures that all contribute to the decoration and tactile nature of the piece.

Authentication

TL tested.