Northern Song Dynasty Cizhou Kiln White-Ground Brown and Polychrome Painted Vase with Children at Play Design (11th–12th Century)

拍品描述

Dimensions: Approximately 30.8 cm high (about 12.1 inches; about 1.01 feet) 11th–12th CenturyCondition and Provenance: The vase remains in good overall condition with its original form well preserved. The glaze surface retains its warm tone, and the painted decoration remains clearly visible. Natural signs of age and surface changes enhance the historical character of the piece. The exposed foot reveals the dry, rustic ceramic body typical of northern Chinese folk kilns. Provenance: Private Collection, New York, USAIntroduction: This Northern Song dynasty Cizhou kiln vase is a representative example of painted ceramics from one of China’s most influential northern folk kilns. Cizhou wares are admired for their expressive brushwork, strong decorative style, and connection to everyday life. This vase combines white-ground decoration with brown and red painted details, featuring lively children-at-play scenes and floral motifs. With its elegant silhouette, rich decorative layers, and distinctive folk aesthetic, this piece reflects the creativity and artistic spirit of Song dynasty northern ceramic production.Description: This piece is a classic display vessel from the northern Cizhou kiln tradition. The flared dish-shaped mouth is decorated with a ring of fine vertical lines, while the interior of the upper section features radiating wave patterns. The slender neck is covered with a hexagonal turtle-shell pattern, with red painted dots added inside each section, creating a carefully organized decorative layout. Multiple horizontal bands separate the shoulder area, adding depth and structure to the design.The shoulder is decorated with scrolling floral patterns, with flowing leaves and blossoms outlined in brown pigment and enhanced with red painted accents. The central body features a framed children-at-play scene, showing two young figures interacting among flowers and plants. Their lively poses and expressive gestures create a charming sense of everyday life. Reeds, grasses, and floral details surround the figures, while brown outlines and touches of orange-red color represent the classic painted technique of Cizhou ware.The lower body is decorated with a band of wave patterns, followed by layered brown and red horizontal lines near the base. The wide foot exposes the coarse ceramic body, displaying the rustic character of northern folk kiln craftsmanship. Covered with a warm ivory-colored glaze, the vase combines strong color contrast, carefully arranged decoration, and skilled painting techniques, making it an important example of Cizhou kiln painted ceramics featuring children-at-play imagery.

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