Lot 2. A rare sancai-glazed phoenix-head ewer, Tang dynasty (618-907). 12 ¾ in. (32.4 cm.) high. Estimate GBP 15,000 - GBP 20,000 (USD 19,665 - USD 26,220). Unsold. © Christie's Images Ltd 2017

The pear-shaped body is moulded on one side with an archer on horseback in the 'Parthian Shot' position with his body facing backwards as he takes aim with his bow over the haunches of his horse, and on the reverse with a phoenix, both surrounded by ornate flowers. The neck is surmounted by a phoenix head with a pearl in its beak below the oval opening in the top of the head. It is covered overall with a mix of amber, green and cream glaze, stopping at the foot. 

Provenance: Acquired in the UK before 1997. 
The dating of the current lot is consistent with the results of Oxford Authentication Thermoluminescence test no. C117e81.  

Note: The 'Parthian Shot' motif, seen on one side of the current ewer was commonly used in the arts of the Tang dynasty, representing a mounted huntsmen portrayed with both arms holding his bow and arrow, shooting backwards over the rear of his horse. Originally, the motif was thought to represent Scythian nomads but later became attributed to the Parthian, as the clothes that the figure wore in Greek examples matched Parthian nomadic dress as described in Greek and Roman texts (for a more in-depth discussion of the term 'Parthian Shot', see M. Rostovtzeff, “The Parthian Shot,” American Journal of Archaeology, vol. 47, no. 2 (April-June 1943): pp. 174-187). An early example of its representation can be seen on an Achaemenid cylinder seal, dating to the 5th century BC, in the collection of the British Museum (Museum no. 89816). 

In a Chinese art context, the motif is perhaps most frequently associated with Tang dynasty silver stems cups, delicately incised with scenes of animals and hunting and is thought to have been inspired by Sassanian metalwares, which came into China through merchants and diplomats from Central Asia. Despite this, it appears to have been in use in China since as early as the Han dynasty (206 BC-220 AD) and can be seen on the top section of the well-known funeral banner, dated circa 168 BC, excavated from tomb number 1 at Mawangdui, as well as on the ceiling painting of cave 249 at Dunhuang, dated to the Six Dynasties period (220-589). The current ewer is therefore a prime example of the inspiration of Middle Eastern and Western visual imagery and motifs on the arts of the Tang dynasty and eludes to a period of China's history that was exceptionally diverse and open to the outside world. 

Two highly-comparable sancai-glazed phoenix-head ewers have been sold in the past year at Christie's. See an example with rare cobalt blue pigment in the glaze, sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 30 November 2016, lot 3306. The second example was sold at Christie's Hong Kong, 31 May 2017, lot 3110.

A rare sancai and blue-glazed phoenix-head ewer, Tang dynasty (618-907).  13 in. (33 cm.) high. Sold for 2,460,000 HKD (318,638 USD) at Christie's Hong Kong, 30 November 2016, lot 3306. © Christie's Images Ltd 2017

Cf. my post: A rare sancai and blue-glazed phoenix-head ewer, Tang dynasty (618-907)

A rare sancai-glazed phoenix-head ewer, Tang dynasty (618-907), 13 in. (33 cm.) high. Sold for 687,500 HKD at Christie's Hong Kong, 31 May 2017, lot 3110. © Christie's Images Ltd 2017

 Cf. my post: A rare sancai-glazed phoenix-head ewer, Tang dynasty (618-907)

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art, 7 November 2017, London