A LARGE 'YUE' CELADON-GLAZED FUNERARY JAR WESTERN JIN DYNASTY

the ovoid body with symmetrically applied baskets of fruit, lions and attendants, all below an elaborate six-tiered pagoda-like structure, the first, second and third storeys have a single gateway supported by crouching lion-forms, and surrounded by a row of standing figures of musicians and dancers, below four large jars with impressed decoration and pagoda-roof covers, surmounted by three further tiled-roof tiers with upswept ends all inhabited by a lively flock of fluttering birds, Japanese wood box

Christie's New York, 2nd June 1994, lot 237.

The jar is in overall good condition. There are some scattered chips to the tips of some of the bird wings and tails and the tips of the roofs. The surface with age appropriate wear.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Although these jars are shaped like vessels with covers, they are in fact made in one piece and were not intended to contain anything tangible. Their purpose appears to be as a symbolic resting place for the spirit. Many related jars have been excavated form tombs of the Wu and Western Jin periods, several with dated inscriptions on applied stelae. For further discussion and related examples see Yutaka Mino and Katherine R. Tsiang, Ice and Green Clouds, Traditions of Chinese Celadon, Indianapolis Museum of Art, 1987, pp. 74-77; fig. 24d from tomb no. 2 at the Shizishan site is very closely related to the present example and references another jar of this same type found at Aojiang, Pingyanxian, in Zhejiang province dated 291.