Northern Song Dynasty Cizhou Kiln White-Ground Brown Painted Ewer with Sea Waves and Auspicious Mythical Beast Decoration (11th–12th Century)

拍品描述

Dimensions: Approx. 18 cm in width and 20 cm in height (approx. 7.1 in width and 7.9 in height; approx. 0.59 ft width and 0.66 ft height), Northern Song Dynasty (11th–12th Century)，Condition & Provenance: The ewer is preserved in very good overall condition, featuring a smooth white glaze surface with clearly preserved brown painted decoration. Natural surface wear, kiln characteristics, and aged color variations remain consistent with its historical period. The unglazed foot reveals a dry, coarse grayish-white clay body with authentic Song dynasty characteristics. Provenance: Private Collection, Hong Kong，Description: This Cizhou kiln ewer is a classic example of Northern Song decorative and functional ceramics. The vessel features a melon-ribbed rounded body, a raised neck, paired shoulder attachments, a curved spout on one side, and a wide strap handle on the other, supported by a raised foot. The overall form is solid, balanced, and elegant with a rhythmic silhouette. The entire surface is covered with a white glaze ground and decorated with expressive brown painted designs. The rim is painted with continuous scrolling patterns, while the neck features upright lotus motifs. The body is richly decorated with dense flowing wave patterns, creating a lively sense of movement across the surface. A reserved panel on the front depicts an auspicious mythical beast resembling a celestial horse, shown in a powerful running pose surrounded by floral branches. The spout and handle are also decorated with scrolling floral motifs, while the foot is finished with an additional band of decorative scrollwork, creating a harmonious relationship between all areas of the design. The bold brushwork reflects the distinctive folk-art style of Cizhou ware, with confident lines and a strong contrast between brown decoration and white glaze. The exposed foot reveals the original clay texture and wheel marks, adding to the authentic character of the piece. Cizhou ware represents one of the most important northern Chinese folk ceramic traditions, especially known for its white-ground painted decoration. Combining auspicious sea motifs and mythical beast imagery, this ewer reflects both artistic creativity and cultural symbolism, making it a highly desirable example of Song dynasty Cizhou painted ceramics.

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