Han dynasty pottery rooster with light green glaze - 15 cm

Description

Han dynasty pottery rooster with light green glaze, China (206 BC-220 AD), height 15 cm. An elegantly modelled Mingqi grave model with soft green glaze and characterful appearance.

Origin & meaning
During the Han dynasty, pottery animal figures such as this rooster were placed in tombs as mingqi (grave goods). They symbolised protection, fertility and prosperity in the afterlife. The rooster calls on the sun daily and symbolises the yang-principle, masculinity and strength. In pairs, they could also refer to the desire to "achieve rank upon rank".

Provenance
Purchased from Oriental Art Auctions, Netherlands.

Dimensions & condition
Height: 15 cm
Width: 14.5 cm
Depth: 8 cm
Condition: original light green glaze largely intact, with some signs of use and edge blemishes appropriate to its age. An authentic and collectible item.

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