Lot 803. A rare amber-glazed tankard, China, Liao Dynasty (AD 907-1125);  6 in. (18.2 cm.) high. Estimate $5,000 - $7,000. Price Realized $6,000. © Christie's Image Ltd 2015

The shape based on silver prototypes, the rounded lower body applied with a loop handle with shaped, horizontal thumb piece, below a carved decorative motif on the neck, covered inside and out with a warm amber glaze, box

Provenance: The Collection of Robert H. Ellsworth, New York, acquired in Hong Kong, 1988.

Note: This unusual shape is based on silver prototypes, such as the Tang dynasty silver cup of similar shape with similar handle illustrated by Jianshe Yu (ed.) in Essence of Chifeng Historical Relics Series: Important Archaeological Sites for Excavated Gold- and Silverware in Chifeng Region, 2006, p. 33, no. CJ020. Also illustrated are three cups of the same shape, but without a handle, dated Liao dynasty, one silver gilt, p. 60, no. CJ037, one silver, p. 128, no. CJ075, and one parcel-gilt, p. 147, no. CJ095. Also see the Dingyao cup of similar shape with handle, dated Liao dynasty, from Liaoning province, illustrated by Zhang Bai in Complete Collection of Ceramic Art Unearthed in China, vol. 2, Beijing, 2008, no. 105, where the shape is described as Central Asian.

Christie's. THE COLLECTION OF ROBERT HATFIELD ELLSWORTH PART IV - CHINESE WORKS OF ART: METALWORK, SCULPTURE AND EARLY CERAMICS, 20 March 2015, New York, Rockefeller Plaza.