Yuan Dynasty Cizhou Ware White-Glazed Brown-Decorated Stem Cup with Floral Scroll Design

拍品描述

Dimensions: 13 cm (5.12 inches) in diameter, 11.5 cm (4.53 inches) in height, 13th-14th century. Condition and Provenance: Excellent overall condition, no cracks, defects, or signs of repair. The milky white glaze is smooth and glossy, the brown painted decoration is well preserved, and the exposed foot rim shows natural aging, kiln firing characteristics, and natural wear consistent with long-term preservation. Private collection, Hong Kong. Description: This elegant stemmed cup is a classic example of Yuan dynasty Cizhou ware. The broad, bowl-shaped body is supported by a unique bamboo-shaped handle. The flared rim, rounded body, and segmented foot rim create a balanced and elegant silhouette, embodying the unrestrained aesthetics favored in the Yuan dynasty. The warm ivory white glaze, with its fine natural crackles, showcases the renowned white-on-brown decorative style of Cizhou ware. The inner rim of the cup is decorated with geometric patterns, while the center of the body is painted with vibrant floral branches in a rich iron-brown pigment. The outer rim is encircled by winding vine patterns, executed with fluid and powerful brushstrokes, embellished with rhythmic short strokes to enhance the overall dynamism. The brown decoration on the handle mimics bamboo joints, creating visual harmony between the upper and lower parts of the cup. The hollow base reveals the light yellow clay body, showcasing the natural marks of kiln firing and the passage of time, further highlighting its historical value. This cup was made using the wheel-throwing technique, with iron-brown pigment painted directly under a transparent glaze and fired at high temperature—one of the most representative decorative techniques of the Cizhou ware. Originally used for banquets, this cup combines practicality with elegant artistic beauty. This well-preserved stemmed cup, with its skillful brushwork and harmonious proportions, is an outstanding surviving example of Yuan Dynasty Cizhou ceramic craftsmanship.

图片