Tang Dynasty (c. 618-907) - The Tang is one of the great dynasties of China, unifying vast territories, and the cultures of surrounding states and people. This period saw the only woman to ever hold the title of Emperor of China, Empress Wu. The Tang Dynasty was a period of immense cultural achievement, and it earned the title of The Golden Age. Historical Value - Antiques bring the standards of couture into the home. Antiquities are works of art or utilitarian objects from ancient times, which have normally been excavated from tombs or historical sites. The huge worldwide demand for these ancient and often beautiful pieces has led to a critical shortage and therefore prices have soared to an unprecedented higher level. Art in the Tomb - China is a land full of ancient sites awaiting investigation. Since coming to power the government of the PeopleÂ's Republic has conducted a series of model excavations of ancient tombs, dramatically increasing our fragmentary knowledge of its huge past. The aristocratic burial customs of the Han dynasty had subsequently spread to all sections of society, and by the time of Tang it was usual for every family to furnish her dead in their graves with Â'spirit figuresÂ', animals or things that have been enjoyed during their lifetime. During the early dynasties of the Shang (c.1600-1027 B.C.) and the Zhou (1027- 221 B.C.), the important families maintained large subterranean tomb complexes, from which the ancestral dead were conceived to watch over the fortunes of the living. Apart from its already remarkable pottery, some of the first notable Chinese works of art are bronze vessels for use in undertaken to appease these spirits: cast by a complex piece-mould process, they bear complicated zoomorphic designs, originally magical and protective glyphs, developed into endless linear proliferations with backgrounds pf square scrolling. Many have dedicatory inscriptions inside the bowl, which are among the earliest surviving examples of the archaic Chinese script. DESCRIPTION: A NEPHRITE JADE INCENSE BURNER WITH COVER This ancient piece reportedly excavated from the tomb of Shanxi - Hanchung old tomb. It is carved with two dragons heads masks on the handles with two loose rings as well as on the cover. The natural colour had altered by great age. Material: Nephrite Jade Dimension: Height: 5.1" - (13 cm); Wide: 7.1" -(18 cm) approximately Click for Price @ GoAntiques.com
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