Antique Chinese Sancai Glazed Ceramic Waterpot Liao Dynasty
Buckland, United Kingdom
Hassle-free returns
-
Easy returns (14 days)
-
Free return if the item isn't as described
-
Buyer protection
Damage is rare, and you're fully protected if it happens.
Dimensions
Wear Condition
Excellent
Material
Ceramic
Style
Antique, Oriental, Chinese Antiques
Product Details
Description
Antique Chinese ceramic waterpot / scholar's water vessel, Tang to Liao Dynasty (9th–11th century AD).
Dimensions:
Height 6.5 cm, diameter 12 cm. Weight 510 g
Materials and Technique:
Buff-colored earthenware (terracotta), green and amber sancai lead glaze, molded relief decoration.
Provenance:
Private collection, United Kingdom.
Rarity and Analogues: The object belongs to rare small-form scholar's desk accessories of the early medieval period. Similar glazed vessels with molded decoration regularly appear in specialized Asian art sales at major international auction houses.
Detailed Description:
The presented vessel demonstrates an immaculate convergence of physical and chemical characteristics confirming its age, estimated at 900–1100 years. The form featuring a square central opening and sharp horizontal division into green and amber zones is characteristic of Khitan aesthetics (Liao Empire), which frequently imitated hammered metalwork in ceramic form. The lower tier is adorned with a classic continuous floral relief typical of this era.
The primary argument for historical authenticity is the condition of the lead glaze. The green enamel field exhibits deep silver iridescence and a pearl-metallic sheen. This specific patina forms exclusively through the natural chemical degradation of lead during centuries of burial in soil—a process that cannot be artificially accelerated or authentically simulated.
The unglazed base displays a coarse, porous body bearing dense, embedded traces of age-old oxidation and soil contact. The manufacturing technique, nature of firing imperfections, and irreversible structural changes in the glaze safely classify this inkwell as an authentic artifact of the early Chinese Middle Ages.
Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.
Condition report:
The item is in excellent antique condition, bearing distinct marks of natural centuries-old aging. A surface enamel crack runs from the top edge downwards (verified under ultraviolet light as strictly superficial, non-penetrating), representing a natural temperature shrinkage line formed during early wood-kiln cooling—an authentic technical marker of age. The unglazed base features an impressed mark resembling the Latin letter V, a technological potter's mark or an accidental firing inclusion typical of unrefined hand-made production of the period. Currently, we are planning to submit this piece to a specialized laboratory for scientific thermoluminescence analysis, which will increase its market value by at least 3 times.
Wear Condition
Excellent
Cancellations
We offer free cancellations and full refund for orders cancelled before dispatching. View full policy.
Returns
We have a 14-day return guarantee for all orders within the UK and European Union. View full policy.
Additional Delivery Info from Seller
Estimated delivery time
Less than one week
Free collection available
No
Made to Last
The average lifespan of a Vinterior piece is 100 years, while modern flat-pack typically takes just 3 years to reach landfill. When you choose pre-loved, you can shop with confidence in quality, craftsmanship and longevity. With our top-rated customer service team, there's no better way to shop pre-loved.
Shopping at Vinterior
Add to a wishlist
Create Wishlist
Reviews
5.0
Based on 4 reviews
Wear conditions
Excellent
Shows little to no signs of wear and tear.
Good
May show slight traces of use in keeping with age. Most vintage and antique items fit into this condition.
Average
Likely to show signs of some light scratching and ageing but still remains in a fair condition.
Apparent Wear and Tear
Visible signs of previous use including scratches, chips or stains.
Please refer to condition report, images or make a seller enquiry for additional information.
Cancellations and Returns
Last updated: 12/02/2026
Clear, predictable protection for every pre-loved purchase.
Simple £75 flat return fee for UK-to-UK mainland furniture when you change your mind.
Applies to furniture with a final selling price of up to £5,000 (excluding delivery and service fees) and delivered from a UK mainland seller to mainland UK addresses. Excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands & Islands, Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly.
Buying vintage should feel inspiring, not uncertain.
Every order on Vinterior is backed by straightforward returns, free cancellations, and extra peace of mind for UK furniture purchases.
1. Free cancellations
Changed your mind before dispatch?
You can cancel any order before it's shipped for a full refund, including delivery.
To cancel an order, click Create cancellation on the order page.
Once an item has been dispatched, delivery costs are not refundable.
Bespoke, personalised or made-to-order pieces cannot be cancelled.
2. Returning an item
You have 14 days from delivery to request a return.
There are two return types:
A. The item isn't as described (free return)
If your piece arrives and it doesn't match the listing in any material way (incorrect description, undisclosed damage, inaccurate measurements, misleading photos), you are fully protected:
- Free return
- The seller or Vinterior arranges pickup
- Full refund, including outbound delivery costs once the seller receives the item
This applies to all purchases.
B. You changed your mind
UK-to-UK furniture deliveries:
To make UK furniture returns predictable and stress-free, we offer a simple flat return fee of £75.
- Applies to furniture delivered from a UK mainland seller to a mainland UK address. Excludes Northern Ireland, Channel Islands, Scottish Highlands & Islands, Isle of Wight and Isles of Scilly.
- Pickup arranged for you
- One clear fee, no surprises
We coordinate the return with either the seller's chosen courier or our trusted delivery partner.
All other items
Most smaller items are straightforward to return.
You can still return your item within 14 days.
- For smaller or parcel-sized items, you can choose to post the item back yourself using a tracked service, or the seller can suggest a preferred courier.
- For larger or more fragile pieces, the seller may recommend the safest return method.
- Return delivery costs vary depending on size and courier.
The seller will confirm the best option based on the item.
3. If your item arrives damaged
Damage on arrival is uncommon, especially for UK furniture deliveries.
But if something does go wrong, you're fully protected.
- Let us know as soon as possible (ideally within 72 hours of delivery) so we can resolve things quickly
- Share photos so we understand what happened
- We’ll help arrange a return and refund if needed
You’re always protected when something goes wrong in transit.
Your statutory rights apply for up to 30 days from delivery.
4. What can't be returned
Some items cannot be returned:
- Bespoke, personalised, or made-to-order pieces
- Items altered after delivery
5. How to start a return
- Log in to your Vinterior account
- Open your order
- Click Create a return
- Add notes + photos if relevant
We'll guide you through the rest.
6. What happens next
- We review your request, confirm the return and advise on next steps
- Pickup or return method is arranged
- The item is returned to the seller
- We issue your refund once the seller confirms the item's condition
Returns are completed smoothly once the pickup is arranged.
7. Refunds
Once the seller receives the piece back in the same condition it was sent, we'll issue your refund to your original payment method.
Once a refund is issued, it may take up to 5–10 working days for the funds to appear back on your original payment method, depending on your bank or card provider.
If the item is returned with new damage that wasn't present at delivery, the refund may be adjusted following review.
Need help?
If you have questions about a return or your order, our support team is here to help. Email us at [email protected] or find other ways to contact us here.
What your service fee covers
-
14-day return guarantee
-
Flat-fee return shipping on UK furniture
-
Seller vetting
-
Dedicated customer support
| Order Value (£) | Fee (£) |
|---|---|
| 0 — 49.99 | 2.75 |
| 50 — 99.99 | 5.50 |
| 100 — 199.99 | 11.00 |
| 200 — 399.99 | 21.00 |
| 400 — 599.99 | 30.00 |
| 600 — 799.99 | 40.00 |
| 800 — 999.99 | 50.00 |
| 1,000 — 1,499.99 | 55.00 |
| 1,500 — 1,999.99 | 60.00 |
| 2,000 — 4,999.99 | 82.50 |
| 5,000+ | 110.00 |
Added at checkout, based on your basket total.
