White-Glazed Crackle-Glazed Kundika Water Vessel (Bumpa-Style Ritual Ewer), Song Dynasty (11th–13th Century)

拍品描述

Dimensions: Height 22.5 cm (approximately 8.9 in, 0.74 ft); Maximum diameter 12 cm (approximately 4.7 in, 0.39 ft)Condition & Provenance: The vessel is in good condition, featuring a naturally developed crackle glaze surface with fine aged crack patterns, subtle traces of time, and minor old surface wear consistent with age. The overall form remains well preserved. Provenance: Private Collection, New York, USA.Description: This vessel represents a classic medieval kundika form, traditionally used in Buddhist rituals for purification and offering water before sacred ceremonies. The vessel displays a carefully balanced and elegant structure, featuring a stepped pagoda-shaped mouth, a wide dish-like shoulder beneath the opening, and a slender straight neck extending into a full rounded globular body. A tubular side spout projects from one side, formed with a segmented waist and rounded sections, ending in an open mouth. The vessel is completed with a flared high foot, creating a graceful and harmonious silhouette with soft flowing lines. Covered overall in a warm ivory-white glaze, the surface has a refined texture with dense natural crackling throughout. The intersecting crackle patterns vary in depth and tone, creating an aged and classical appearance, while subtle traces of time enhance its antique character. The lower foot remains unglazed, revealing the white ceramic body and clearly visible wheel marks from traditional ceramic production. The kundika form originated outside China and was later integrated into Chinese Buddhist artistic traditions, becoming an important ritual vessel. With its restrained decoration, elegant white glaze, and graceful proportions, this piece reflects both religious significance and the refined aesthetics of ancient Chinese ceramics.

图片