Liao Song Chinese Celadon Hunping Pottery Funerary Vessel Dragon w Lid

Ancient Chinese LIAO / SONG DYNASTY (AD 960 -1280)
Elaborate Chinese Hunping ritual pottery funerary vase encircled by scholarly figures, probably Taoist monks, at the shoulder, and a sinuous dragon wrapped around the neck, holding the mythical pearl of fire.
Finial on lid depicts a crane, a symbol of longevity and peace.
The hunping was placed in a tomb together with earthly goods like banquet tables, food, and drink to entice the soul of the deceased to return and reside in the urn. It was assumed the urns held ashes, but recent research has revealed that the urns were used to hold grain as an offering.
From a California private collection. Collected circa 1980.
Dimensions – approximately 16 inches tall (with lid) x 4 1/2 inches in diameter at the shoulder. Good condition. Nice! Typical wear from age and burial. 2 small chips on rim of lid and crane’s tail is missing. One of the figures is cracked and repaired, visible in photos.
Light sandstone color with a slightly crackled finish called
qingbai
. The glaze is actually a pale transparent celadon glaze.