Kuan ware, grayish-green vase with tubular handles

Sung dynasty (A.D. 960-1279)
Height: 22.4 cm Depth: 19.5 cm Mouth width: 6.6 cm Mouth length: 8.4 cm Girth: 42.1 cm

This vase imitates an ancient bronze vessel in shape. Three gently-incised bands encircle its neck, shoulders and belly. Two square holes have been pierced in the foot-rim. Chinese historical accounts record that Kuan ware was made at Kaifeng during the Northern Sung dynasty (A.D. 960-1126); during the Southern Sung, it continued to be made at kilns near Hangchou that had been especially built for the purpose.

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