Song Dynasty Hutian Kiln White-Glazed Kneeling Boy Candleholders, A Pair, 12th Century

拍品描述

Dimensions: Each piece: Height 16 cm (6.30 in). Maximum width 7.5 cm (2.95 in). Period: 12th century. Condition and provenance: A complete pair. Both figures show slight signs of aging and firing, with natural soot deposits from historical use inside the lamp cups. The glaze is smooth and well-preserved, with only minor inclusions and slight surface cracks consistent with the age. No obvious missing parts, damage, or signs of repair are observed. From a private collection in Hong Kong, acquired in the early 1990s and held thereafter. Description: This rare pair of white-glazed kneeling attendant figures showcases the elegant combination of Song Dynasty sculptural art and practical lighting function. Each young attendant kneels respectfully on a polygonal base, arms raised above their heads, holding a shallow lamp cup, creating a beautiful and balanced composition. The rounded faces, simple features, and composed expressions embody the understated elegance characteristic of Song Dynasty ceramic sculpture. The figures, clad in flowing robes, have soft folds that enhance the vertical dynamism of the overall composition. Authentic smoke marks remain on the rims of the lamp bowls and around the hands, attesting to their long history of use. One of the bases retains ventilation holes used to prevent thermal stress during firing, and the hollow interior still shows traces of the original mold-making process. The lamp body is covered in a translucent white glaze with a slight bluish tint, the glaze naturally blending into the folds and contours, adding depth and refinement. Slight signs of age, scattered buried artifacts, and the exposed porcelain body of the base further reinforce the authenticity and historical feel of these lamps. Made using segmented molds and meticulously hand-polished, these two lamps symbolize blessings, prosperity, the continuation of family lineage, and eternal auspicious light. Complete pairs of such pieces are rare, making this work an outstanding example of Song Dynasty ceramic sculpture, suitable for homes, ceremonial occasions, and developmental settings.

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