Northern Song Dynasty Cizhou Kiln White-Ground Brown and Red Painted Lidded Jar with Boy Holding Lotus Design (11th–12th Century)

拍品描述

Dimensions: Approximately 19.8 cm high (about 7.8 inches high; about 0.6 feet high) 11th–12th CenturyCondition and Provenance: The jar is in good overall condition, with the lid and vessel body well preserved. The form remains balanced and elegant, with a warm glaze surface, clearly visible painted decoration, and natural kiln variations developed over time. The exposed foot reveals the coarse ceramic body with the characteristic finishing style of Song dynasty Cizhou ware. Provenance: Private Collection, Texas, USAIntroduction: This Northern Song dynasty Cizhou kiln white-ground brown and red painted lidded jar is an outstanding example of Cizhou kiln figural decoration. As one of the most important northern Chinese folk kilns of the Song dynasty, Cizhou kiln is known for its expressive painted ceramics featuring black, brown, and red decorative techniques. This jar combines auspicious imagery, floral patterns, and a charming figural scene, reflecting the creativity and refined decorative style of Song dynasty folk ceramics.Description: This lidded jar has a full and well-balanced form, representing a classic storage vessel from the Cizhou kiln tradition. The jar features a short neck, rounded shoulder, full belly, and a domed cover topped with an auspicious cloud-shaped finial, creating a harmonious and antique appearance.The lid is richly decorated with clearly organized patterns. Lotus petal motifs surround the finial, while the main surface is covered with scrolling floral designs outlined in brown pigment and accented with red decoration. The curved lines are elegant and fluid, while the rim features fine decorative bands separated by multiple horizontal borders. The shoulder of the jar continues with a continuous floral scroll design, creating visual harmony between the lid and body.The main body features a quatrefoil-shaped framed panel containing a scene of a young boy holding a lotus. The child is portrayed with a gentle and innocent expression, wearing a red garment and seated among lotus flowers and a pond landscape. The surrounding lotus blossoms and seed pods are complemented by finely painted wave patterns, symbolizing the auspicious meaning of “continuous prosperity and the blessing of sons.” Additional geometric ground patterns enhance the overall composition.The vessel is covered with an ivory-colored glaze, with brown outlines and touches of iron-red decoration highlighting the figure, flowers, and leaves. The expressive brushwork reflects the strong character of northern Chinese folk art. The exposed coarse ceramic foot retains natural traces of traditional craftsmanship. With its auspicious subject matter, refined composition, and distinctive Cizhou kiln style, this jar represents a fine example of Song dynasty painted figural ceramics.

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