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A RARE OCHRE GLASS ‘PHOENIX’ BRUSH WASHER, POSSIBLY SIX-DYNASTIES PERIOD Expert’s note: In the absence of closely comparable material from secure archaeological contexts or documented ancient collections, the dating proposed here should be regarded as indicative rather than definitive. China, approximately 3rd-6th century. Finely carved in openwork, the oval-shaped vessel resting on a short foot, with deep, rounded sides rising to a rim extending longitudinally in the form of a phoenix, one end terminates in a curling tail with intricately detailed plumage enveloping the vessel, while the other culminates with the head of the bird shown in profile, distinguished by a pair of rounded eyes and a curved beak. The translucent vitreous surface of a faint yellow tone, with small areas of russet corrosion. Provenance: From The Sam and Myrna Myers Collection, Paris, France. Acquired between circa 1965-2012. Condition: Very good condition with surface wear and manufacturing irregularities. Distinct traces of corrosion. Occasional small nicks, shallow surface scratches, and few minute chips along the foot rim. Weight: 149.2 g Dimensions: Length 12.3 cm Literary sources trace the origins of glass production to approximately the 5th century BCE, whereas the earliest extant archaeological evidence emerges in the Warring States period. During the Han dynasty, the technological and aesthetic applications of glass expanded, heralding the advent of molded objects. Among these were monochrome funerary wares, often executed in hues evocative of jade, closely emulating the forms and stylistic conventions of jade artifacts. The present glass cup, adorned with a phoenix motif and rendered in a refined yellowish tone, exemplifies this practice. Certain Chinese classical texts recommended that everyday objects should not be employed in funerary rites. That is why many funerary objects are imitations of quotidian items formerly used by the deceased. Such items were integral to the assemblages interred within aristocratic tombs. This bowl is particularly noteworthy, both for the precision of its craftsmanship and for its material, which, like jade or rock crystal, was reserved for the elite families. Auction result comparison: Type: Related Auction: Zacke Vienna, 11 September 2025, lot 204 Price: EUR 4,940 Description: A rock crystal ear cup (erbei), Western Han dynasty Expert remark: Compare the related form, material, and animal decoration. Note the similar size (13.5 cm).

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Glass