A GREEN-GLAZED POTTERY JAR, HAN DYNASTY China, 206 BC-220 AD. Of compressed globular form, rising from a tapering foot to a waisted neck with a galleried rim, molded with horizontal lines at the shoulder and body, fired upside-down in a dark green glaze, which has partially oxidized, giving it an iridescent gleam. Provenance: From a private collection in Belgium. Condition: Good condition with wear and firing irregularities. Signs of weathering and erosion, few losses, flaking, encrustations, and firing cracks, all as expected from ancient Han dynasty excavations. Weight: 596.6 g Dimensions: Height 16 cm These low-fired wares were embellished with a lead glaze with copper added to produce a green color. The silvery iridescence on the surface of this piece is the result of the degradation of the glaze after centuries of burial in a damp environment. Literature comparison: Compare a closely related jar, Han dynasty, 14.5 cm tall, in the collection of the National Museum of Asian Art, Smithsonian Institute, accession number S2012.9.3914. Compare a closely related jar, Han dynasty, 26.4 cm tall, in the collection of the British Museum, museum number 1973,0726.169. Auction result comparison: Type: Closely related Auction: Christie’s London, 13 December 2001, lot 704 Price: GBP 2,585 or approx. EUR 6,700 converted and adjusted for inflation at the time of writing Description: A Chinese green glazed pottery hu jar, Han Dynasty Expert remark: Compare the closely related form and similar modelling, raised bands, and iridescent glaze. Note the larger size (40 cm).