Large 18.5-inch 1970s pottery vase with raised Chinese court figures, horse-drawn chariot relief, geometric key-fret borders and an original Republic of China export label.
This substantial unglazed pottery vase has the look of an ancient ceremonial vessel but the scale and sculptural presence of a statement interior object.
The decoration wraps around the body in a continuous raised-relief narrative. One side depicts traditionally dressed Chinese court or warrior figures, while the opposite side features a dramatic horse-drawn chariot scene. Stylized birds, foliage and cloud-like motifs appear throughout the composition, framed above and below by repeating geometric key-fret borders.
The surface is finished in layered earthy brown tones that highlight the relief and give the piece strong depth and texture. Because the exterior is unglazed, the finish remains matte and tactile rather than glossy.
An original red-and-gold turtle-shaped foil label remains on the underside and identifies the piece as Republic of China
Origin: Republic of China
Era: Mid-to-late 20th century, most likely 1970s
Material: Unglazed pottery / ceramic
Color: Brown, tan, dark brown
Height: 18.5"
Width: Approx. 10" at widest point
Decoration: Raised figural relief
Scene: Chinese court or military procession
Reverse scene: Horse-drawn chariot
Border: Geometric key-fret / meander motif
Finish: Matte, unglazed
Marking: Original Republic of China export label
Quantity: One vase
Good vintage condition with age-related wear consistent with a decorative pottery piece of this period. Minor wear and scratches are a normal part of vintage items unless stated differently. Visible condition includes:
surface rubbing and tonal variation
scratches and marks
small nicks and minor losses to portions of the raised decoration
wear around the base
age-related surface imperfections
original label remains attached underneath
No major cracks are visible in the photographs.
Please review all photographs closely, including the detailed condition images, as they form an important part of the description.
This vase is especially strong for interiors that need height, texture and an earthy architectural element.
Style it on:
a large console table
fireplace mantel
library cabinet
pedestal or plinth
oversized open shelving
entry table
designer sideboard
Its brown monochromatic palette works particularly well with:
organic modern, eclectic traditional, global interiors, collected European, chinoiserie-inspired rooms, dark academia, Mediterranean interiors and warm transitional décor.
At 18.5 inches tall, it has enough scale to stand alone rather than needing to be grouped with smaller decorative accessories.
The vase combines traditional Chinese-inspired figural imagery with an intentionally archaistic surface treatment. The court figures, horse-drawn chariot and geometric borders give it the visual language of much older Chinese decorative arts while its export label identifies it as a later