Song Dynasty Ru Kiln Sky-Celadon Glazed Mythical Lion Sculpture on Double Lotus Stand

拍品描述

Dimensions (Era + Metric + Imperial): Song Dynasty, total height 25 cm (9.84 in), base diameter 15 cm (5.91 in). Condition and Provenance: Complete and intact, without cracks, damage, or missing parts; the lion's body, hollow sphere, and lotus petals are all well-preserved. Natural patina has seeped into the crackle glaze, and the original kiln marks on the base are clearly visible. From a historic private collection of Oriental art in Los Angeles, California, USA. Description (US narrative): This monolithic ceramic sculpture, fired from a single piece, places a lively guardian lion atop two inverted lotus pedestals, displaying a powerful, balanced, and harmonious form, adorned with rich, layered details. The lion, crouching lifelike on the lotus pedestal, was a sacred guardian ornament in ancient residential halls and Buddhist places of worship. The lion's head is raised, its mouth open, revealing sharp teeth, exuding a majestic and powerful aura. Its head is covered with spiraling, curly mane, complemented by broad ears and piercing, round eyes. The lion's torso is defined by full, well-defined muscles, adorned with rounded spherical ornaments on its chest, while layers of curly mane cascade down its back. Its right forepaw rests on a hollowed-out sphere, carved with square grids that allow excellent light transmission; its left paw rests firmly on a lotus-shaped base. Its hind legs are bent inwards, its tail coiled upwards, and one hind leg is raised, as if chasing the sphere, creating a lively and dynamic posture. Each paw is meticulously sculpted with fine textures, showcasing surreal sculptural detail. The sculpture rests on a double-layered lotus base, with overlapping lotus petals, each petal possessing a clear edge, rounded tip, and a small central ornament, all finely and evenly carved. Seven tiny nail marks are evenly distributed on the flat inner base, a signature firing technique of Ru ware porcelain. Three-dimensional lotus petals encircle the outer side of the base, perfectly complementing the lion's form. The lotus symbolizes purity and auspiciousness, while the lion, as a guardian beast in Buddhism, signifies protection of the home and blessings. The entire sculpture is covered in classic Ru ware celadon glaze, thick and smooth, presenting a soft, pale blue hue, like the sky after rain. Fine, natural crackles are scattered across the glaze, with mottled yellowish-brown patina seeping into each crack, creating an ancient texture reminiscent of centuries of burial underground. The glaze has a soft, non-glaring sheen, seamlessly integrated with the body, and was fired in a single kiln after a complex sculpting process. This piece utilizes various ceramic forming techniques, including casting, appliqué, openwork, and carving, requiring extremely exquisite craftsmanship to create such a three-dimensional work of art. The image of the lion chasing a ball symbolizes peace, prosperity, and warding off evil, while the lotus base represents transcendence from worldly troubles and Buddhist protection. In ancient times, this top-tier porcelain sculpture served both as an ornament and an offering in prayer ceremonies. The entire piece is well-preserved, without any damage, cracks, or missing parts; the lion's body, hollow sphere, and lotus petals are all intact, and clear original firing marks are preserved. The glaze and naturally formed patina blend seamlessly, making it a rare and exquisite Ru ware porcelain sculpture.

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