Rare Liao Dynasty Three-Color Blue-Ground Mandarin Duck Openwork Incense Box (Liao Dynasty, 10th–12th Century)

拍品描述

Dimensions: 17.5 cm (L) × 13.5 cm (H), approximately 6.9 in (L) × 5.3 in (H), approximately 0.57 ft (L) × 0.44 ft (H); Liao Dynasty, 10th–12th century Condition and Provenance: The piece is preserved in good condition, with natural glaze crackling, aged surface characteristics, and original exposed pottery areas showing authentic weathering traces. Provenance: Private Collection, New York, USADescription: This incense box is composed of a fitted cover and base, sculpted in the form of a mandarin duck with its neck gracefully turned backward. Created as a refined incense vessel for the scholar’s studio, the cover features a three-dimensional duck form with a curved neck forming an openwork handle. The facial details are simple yet expressive, while the wings are decorated with pierced openwork scrolling patterns enhanced with yellow and green pigments, allowing fragrance to diffuse through the openings. The oval boat-shaped base follows the natural form of the duck body, with a precisely fitted cover and vessel structure. The entire surface is covered with a rich sapphire-blue glaze, featuring fine natural crackling throughout. White and yellow decorative accents are applied over the blue ground, creating a vibrant and layered visual effect. The beak is highlighted with yellow-green glaze, displaying the characteristic low-fired lead-glaze technique of Liao sancai ceramics. The interior and underside reveal a warm beige ceramic body with a dry, textured surface and traces of natural aging. The mandarin duck has long symbolized harmony and marital happiness in Chinese culture. Liao dynasty openwork incense boxes of this type combined practical incense use with elegant decorative appeal. With its lively sculptural craftsmanship, colorful glaze palette, and rarity among surviving examples, this piece represents an outstanding example of Liao sancai ceramic art.

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