Cizhou Ware White-Ground Black-Painted Three-Legged Toad Water Basin, Song–Jin Dynasty (11th–13th Century)

拍品描述

Dimensions and Weight: Length 24 cm (9.4 in, 0.79 ft), Height 8 cm (3.1 in, 0.26 ft); Song–Jin Dynasty (11th–13th Century)Condition and Provenance: The piece is overall well preserved, with natural kiln effects and aged surface marks consistent with its history. The warm white glaze retains an elegant aged appearance, with areas of natural wear from time and use. The black-painted decoration remains clearly visible, and the exposed clay base shows natural aging characteristics. Provenance: Private Collection, New York, USA.Description: This exceptional Cizhou ware sculpture is modeled in the form of a crouching three-legged toad, combining ceramic sculpture and painted decoration into a charming scholar’s object. It was originally used as a water basin for the scholar’s desk and could also serve as an elegant decorative vessel. The toad is portrayed in a compact resting pose with a full, rounded body and folded legs beneath the belly. The claws are accented with black-painted details, while the expressive head features raised eyes, curved brows, and a simple yet lively mouth design. The central opening on the back forms the water reservoir, following the natural contour of the animal’s body. The entire surface is covered with a warm white glaze, showing subtle aged staining, while brown-black painted lines define the facial details, cloud-like patterns, and anatomical features across the body. The freely executed brushwork reflects the bold and spontaneous artistic character of northern folk kilns. The underside reveals a reddish-brown coarse ceramic body with natural aging, and the base follows the organic form of the toad rather than a formal foot ring. The three-legged toad is a traditional symbol of prosperity and good fortune, and this type of animal-form water vessel was a classic object for the scholar’s studio, combining practical use with decorative appeal. The sculpture demonstrates the distinctive folk artistry of Cizhou ware through its expressive modeling, strong contrast, and rustic elegance.

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