Lot 221. An Unusual Neolithic Red Pottery Amphora, Yangshao Culture, 4800-3600 B.C.; 21in. (53.4cm.) high. Estimate USD 5,000 - USD 8,000. Price realised USD 6,462. © Christie's Image Limited

The unusual waisted ovoid body tapering to a point at the bottom and decorated allover with bands of scoring of various width below the neck and broad everted rim.

Note: It is unusual to find waisted amphoras of such robust proportions and with broad everted rims. Compare the waisted amphoras of more slender proportions and with smaller notched mouth rims illustrated in Kaikodo Journal, Hong Kong, 1998, p. 138, figs. 1 and 2.

The result of Oxford Authentication Ltd. thermoluminescence test no. 100w64 is consistent with the dating of this lot.

Christie's. Fine Chinese Ceramics, Paintings and Works of Art, New York, 21 September 2000