Glazed ceramic jug, Mongolia, Liao dynasty

Made of ceramic coated with a deep emerald-green glaze, decorated using the three-colour technique (sancai) with details in shades of amber and creamy white. The piece features the classic saddle-bag shape, with a flat body that widens towards the base, mimicking the seams and folds of the original material. The jug is notable for its rich relief decoration, depicting a fierce dragon amidst clouds on the front and a phoenix with outstretched wings and a long tail on the reverse. The upper handle is flanked by two crouching monkey figures which serve as supports for the suspension rings. Liao Dynasty (916–1125) or later.

Size: 29 x 14 x 17.5 cm

Provenance: Spanish private collection, acquired in Hong Kong in the 1990s.