Chinese Han dynasty Proto-Yue stoneware vessel. Possibly a mingqi mortuary (funerary) or spirit object, or storage vessel. Of globular rounded form with three concentric registers or bands. With luted mask-form ear handles. Stoneware partially glazed with natural ash resulting in a mottled olive-green to yellow coloration.

Provenance: From the Estate of C. Curtis "Curt" Dunnavan, Long Lake, Minnesota.

C. Curtis "Curt" Dunnavan (1926-2022) was a passionate world traveler and avid collector. It was through his travels that he was inspired to begin a lifelong relationship with the Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia), becoming a major sponsor of the institute and facilitating the growth of their Asian art department, which is now one of the best in the country. His generous donations to Mia allowed them to establish a fund for the Deputy Director and Chief Operating Officer, one of the few endowed positions of this type in the museum field. He additionally served as a trustee of the institute, advocating for its operational growth. In its turn, the museum established a gallery named in his honor in recognition for his endowment fund and numerous contributions to their collection. The selections here showcase his talent and breadth of collecting, ranging from ancient statues to 19th-century woodblock prints. His appreciation for art persisted throughout his life and we are honored to offer items from his collection in this auction.
Height: 13 in x diameter: 14 in. There are no major cracks, losses, or evident restorations. Crazing to the glaze throughout. There are light losses to the glaze throughout. Small chips to the bands around the vessel. Minute firing flaws throughout. There are a few small chips to each handle; shallow cracks along the bases, possibly original to production. Along the footrim there are two large spots of discoloration, likely original to the firing. Dirt and dust collected along the interior. Wear to the footrim consistent with age and use.