Chenghua Period Ming Dynasty Dou‑cai “Tian” Mark Covered Jar with Sea‑Beast Motif

拍品描述

Dimensions：H.11.5cm Condition & Provenance：Complete original set of jar and cover, no cracks or chips. All dou‑cai enamels well preserved, glossy glaze, natural aged patina at foot‑ring, no restoration, no chemical cleaning. From private collection of E·K, Los Angeles, California, USA. Acquired in 2021, family inheritance under climate‑controlled storage, never appeared in public auction or museum exhibition. Description：This is an imperial dou‑cai covered jar with “Tian” mark of Chenghua reign, Ming dynasty. Short straight neck, full rounded shoulder, bulging belly tapering towards neatly trimmed foot‑ring, fitted with original flat‑top cover. Underglaze‑blue single‑character “Tian” mark painted on base, typical for Chenghua tian‑zi jars. Yellow‑glazed banana‑leaf frieze encircles below mouth rim and above foot. Main decoration depicts auspicious sea‑beasts amid waves and clouds. Vigorous green‑painted rolling ocean waves occupy lower section, while ethereal underglaze‑blue cloud scrolls float above. Multiple mythical sea beasts gallop across the scene, rendered in iron‑red, yellow and cobalt‑blue respectively, with powerful bodies and flying manes. The cover top features sea beast motif, cover side painted with blue‑and‑white sea‑water landscape echoing the jar body. Executed in classic dou‑cai technique: outlines drawn in underglaze blue, then filled with overglaze polychrome enamels. Cobalt tone is soft and tranquil, overglaze colours fresh and well‑applied. Sea‑beast motif symbolizes peace and prosperity. Surviving Chenghua dou‑cai tian‑zi jars are extremely rare. With well‑proportioned form, layered decorative scheme and harmonious palette, this vessel represents top‑tier craftsmanship of Ming imperial porcelain, holding outstanding artistic and collectible value.

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