Lot 822. A Yueyao green-glazed chicken-head ewer, Western Jin Dynasty (265-316); 13.7cm diam. Sold for HK$217,600 (Est: $180 000 HKD - $220 000 HKD) © Bonhams 2001-2023

Sturdily potted, the compressed globular body rising from a flat base to a waisted neck surmounted by a galleried rim, applied to the shoulder with two small loop handles, flanked by a chicken-head spout on one side and a large arched handle on the other, covered overall with an olive-green glaze, save for the base revealing the grey body and burnt spur marks, box. (2).

Provenance: A North American private collection, by repute
An Asian private collection.

Note: The production of chicken-head ewers began as early as the Western Jin dynasty (265-420) in the southern Yue kilns in Zhejiang, and reached its peak during the Six Dynasties. Many were excavated from the tombs of emperors and served as ritual vessels. Chickens were considered to possess the ability to protect home and families from evil spirits, therefore was featured as an auspicious motif on various wares.

See a very similar green-glazed chicken-head ewer, Eastern Jin dynasty, illustrated in Porcelain of the Jin and Tang Dynasties. The Complete Collection of Treasures of the Palace Museum, Shanghai & Hong Kong, 2002, p. 42, pl. 37.

Bonhams. FINE CHINESE CERAMICS AND WORKS OF ART, 29 November 2023, Hong Kong, Admiralty