Han dynasty pottery rooster with dark green glaze - 17 cm

Description

Han dynasty pottery rooster with dark green glaze, China (206 BC-220 AD), height 17 cm. Fine Mingqi grave model with deep glaze, and a striking, proud head.

Origin & meaning
Tomb models (mingqi) like this one represent symbols of sunrise, good fortune and authority. The rooster embodies the yang principle - masculinity, power and status. In pairs, they often depict the desire to "achieve rank upon rank".

Provenance
Purchased from Oriental Art Auctions, Netherlands.

Dimensions & condition
Height: 17 cm
Width: 21 cm
Depth: 10 cm
Condition: dark green glaze largely retained with natural discolouration and signs of use appropriate to grave context. The head and tail are powerfully sculpted, with fine expression and character.

Product photographs show the object on offer exactly as photographed. Any interior images are AI-generated impressions, included solely to illustrate scale and presentation.