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Arts & Entertainment

Antique of the Week: Chinese Neolithic Ceramics

Stop by Susan Akins Oriental Antiques and see the Chinese Neolithic Ceramics from the Sze Hong Collection.

As everyone in Kensington knows, Antique Row is one of the community’s points of pride. Howard Avenue and its side streets are lined with shops specializing in antique furniture, rugs, vintage toys, used books and more. This large presence in the community sparked our feature, Antique of the Week, where we will showcase a different item or curiosity each week to bring attention to pieces from the past.

An exciting new addition to is the Chinese Neolithic ceramics from the Sze Hong Collection. Akins said that the ceramics have been appraised by the Smithsonian, and they are at least 5,000 years old.

The Chinese Neolithic ceramics are from the Yang-shao culture that was found in the Kansu area of China, according to Julia M. White's article in "Arts of Asia."  White described the Yang-shao ceramics as being characterized for its heaviness, “usually resting on an unfooted base, buff to reddish coloured and frequently painted.” 

White suggests looking at the ceramics from an aerial perspective. She said it shows the “strong sense of balance and symmetry that went into these early designs.”  White attributes the black swirls and bands on this particular ceramic to the Pan-shan phase of the Yang-shao culture.

There are two more ceramics at Akins’ shop that are from the Sze Hong Collection.  Akins is selling this particular piece for $1,850. Susan Akins Oriental Antiques is located at 3740 Howard Ave. Stop by  Tuesday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. or 301- 946-4609 for more information about the antiques.

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