Song Dynasty Longquan Kiln Celadon Vase with Molded Floral Decoration and Beast-Head Ring Handles

拍品描述

Dimensions: Height 26 cm (10.2 in./0.85 ft), Mouth Diameter 8.8 cm (3.5 in./0.29 ft), 12th-13th century. Condition and Provenance: Condition: This piece is in excellent condition overall, with no visible cracks or major damage. The floral decoration and animal-head handles are intact. The characteristic pale celadon glaze of Longquan ware is smooth and translucent, well-preserved, with clearly visible natural aging of the vermilion-red foot rim and faint traces of patina. Provenance: Private collection, California, USA. Description: This Song Dynasty Longquan celadon vase is decorated with floral patterns and animal-head handles. Standing 26 cm tall and measuring 8.8 cm in diameter, this classic example of Song-Yuan period Longquan celadon showcases elegant proportions, exquisite glaze, and superb decorative techniques. The body is cleverly divided into five balanced sections with flowing, graceful lines. The upper mouth flares outward with rounded edges, and the slender neck is decorated with fine horizontal lines. The shoulders are symmetrically adorned with mythical beast-shaped handles, each holding a freely dangling ring, creating a vivid three-dimensional effect. The pear-shaped body gradually narrows from top to bottom, with a stable and balanced foot. The mythical beast handles are exquisitely crafted, with protruding horns and clear details, and each is equipped with an independently movable ring, showcasing one of the most challenging decorative techniques in Longquan ceramics. The upper part of the body is decorated with two symmetrical molded branches, with raised petals and leaves that blend naturally and smoothly into the body. The lower part of the body is decorated with vertically carved chrysanthemum petal patterns, forming a rhythmic and structural design. The neck is decorated with three simple incised lines, creating an elegant contrast between decoration and restraint. The entire piece is covered with a thick layer of Longquan pale celadon glaze, the color of which is soft and has a faint bean-green luster, as clear and translucent as jade, exuding a delicate and understated sheen. The bare foot reveals the reddish-brown cinnabar clay unique to Longquan. Its elegant shape, exquisite glaze, and excellent condition make it a highly valuable treasure among high-end Chinese ceramics.

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