Northern Song Dynasty Cizhou Kiln White-Ground Brown-Decorated Ewer with Lotus Motif Panels (11th–12th Century)

拍品描述

Dimensions: Approximately 30.7 cm high and 19.6 cm wide (about 12.1 inches high and 7.7 inches wide; about 1.0 feet high and 0.6 feet wide) 11th–12th CenturyCondition and Provenance: The ewer is in good overall condition with its original form well preserved. The spout, handle, and vessel body remain intact. The glaze has a warm surface tone, with the painted decoration remaining clearly visible and natural firing variations adding to its character. The exposed foot reveals the original ceramic body with the distinctive finishing style of Song dynasty Cizhou ware. Provenance: Private Collection, New York, USAIntroduction: This Northern Song dynasty Cizhou kiln white-ground brown-decorated ewer is a representative example of northern Chinese folk kiln painted ceramics. Cizhou wares are especially known for their expressive white-ground painted decoration, combining bold brushwork with everyday themes and the artistic spirit of the Song dynasty. Featuring divided panels with lotus, scrolling foliage, and floral designs, this vessel demonstrates the mature decorative techniques of Cizhou kiln production and reflects the balance between practical function and refined visual appeal.Description: This ewer has an elegant and well-balanced form, representing a classic painted vessel from the Cizhou kiln tradition. The flared mouth is outlined with brown decoration, while the tall slender neck is divided by double horizontal bands. The upper section features hanging lotus petals, and the lower section is decorated with scrolling patterns executed in fine, orderly lines. A continuous band of floral scroll decoration surrounds the shoulder, with full, flowing leaves rendered in a natural and confident style.The rounded body is divided into vertical framed panels. One side depicts a lotus pond scene, with lotus blossoms and seed pods portrayed in a realistic manner and accented with reddish-brown decorative details. The opposite side features floral scroll patterns with a carefully balanced composition. A spiral-shaped pouring spout decorated with alternating brown and reddish bands extends from one side, while the curved handle on the opposite side is enhanced with matching brown decoration, creating harmony with the overall design. The lower body is decorated with scrolling foliage motifs, and the foot is painted with multiple alternating brown and red bands.The entire vessel is covered with an ivory-colored glaze, with brown outlines and touches of orange-red accents. The decoration is carefully organized into separate sections, creating a rich yet balanced composition. The exposed coarse ceramic foot reveals the traditional craftsmanship of northern Chinese folk kilns. Combining practical use with strong regional artistic character, this piece represents a fine example of Cizhou kiln painted ewers from the Song dynasty.

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