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156
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CHINA, possibly Liao
See original version (French)
156
-
CHINA, possibly Liao
See original version (French)
Estimate €1,000 - €1,500
Voluntary lot
Description
CHINA, possibly Liao
Spittoon known as ‘Zhadou’
Made of silver-coloured metal, partially gilded; the circular body sits on a short foot and is surmounted by a long, widely flared neck; the whole is decorated with engraved and incised floral branches.
Height: 9.5 cm
Diameter at the neck: 14.7 cm
Weight: 225 grs.
(Significant wear and oxidation; the neck may have been re-soldered)
In China, during the Song dynasty (960–1279), these vases with a flattened body and a wide, flared neck, known as ‘zhadou’, were indispensable on the tables of the wealthiest households for holding waste. These vessels also served as spittoons for excess chewing tobacco, preventing people from spitting on the ground for reasons of hygiene and cleanliness.
But more than that, during the Song, Liao (907–1125) and Jin (1115–1234) dynasties, the spittoon formed part of a set of washing utensils and was used for rinsing the mouth. They were regarded as precious possessions for royalty, high-ranking officials and the upper classes of society whilst travelling. This spittoon is made of vermeil, a mixture of silver plated with gold. During the Liao dynasty, gold and silver resources were almost entirely controlled by the government. Objects made from these precious metals served as imperial and diplomatic gifts, court tableware, or even condolence gifts exchanged amongst the nobility.
See original version (French)
Auto-translation. Refer to original language for legal validity.
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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