Chinese Tang Style Double Headed Ewer, with Phoenix Motif

A phoenix with open beak and a long, curling handle.

Potters in Henan Province, China, made this Tang style ewer with a phoenix motif in pottery in the 20th century. Ewers with bird-headed spouts are commonly associated with Tang dynasty wine and tea vessels and have been widely copied since. The round body is covered in an olive-amber glaze, finely ridged by the potter’s hand. A bird head with an open beak forms the spout, and a strap handle with a coil rises from the banded neck to the shoulder.

About 8 inches tall. Holds the room’s attention like a good raconteur.