Lot 5. A rare painted pottery amphora, Neolithic, Yangshao Culture, Majiayao phase, 18 in., 45.7 cm. Estimate 15,000 — 20,000 USD. Lot sold 18,000 USD. © Sotheby's.

the well-potted ovoid vessel with broad shoulders tapering to a flat foot,  the body finely painted with evenly spaced circular 'eye' spots encircled by concentric spirals radiating out from the central eye on each side, all surmounted by a tall cylindrical neck and an everted rim painted with further concentric rings below a collar of alternating pendant and upright spots.

Note: It is extremely rare to find such a large and well-preserved vessel from this early phase of the Yangshao culture, with a particularly well-executed rhythmic design. See a Majiayao cone shaped vessel decorated with related pattern of circles surrounded by radiating blades and the neck encircled by horizontal lines sold in these rooms, 9th December 1987, lot 176. Another vessel with related design in the Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities, Stockholm, is illustrated in Oriental Ceramics, vol.9, Tokyo, pl. 15. A line drawing of a closely related design is illustrated, Chang, The Archaeology of Ancient China, New Haven, 1986, fig.106.

Sotheby's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, New York, 31 mars 2005