Northern Song Dynasty (11th–12th Century) Ding Ware White Glazed Carved Lotus Pond and Egret Flower-Rimmed Conical Bowl

拍品描述

Dimensions: Diameter 25.5 cm (10.0 in/0.84 ft), Height 8.5 cm (3.3 in/0.28 ft), Northern Song Dynasty, 11th-12th century Ding ware white porcelain. Condition and Provenance: Overall in good condition, the shape is well preserved, and the glaze shows natural signs of aging, consistent with historical use. Provenance: Originally a private collection in Hong Kong, later owned by a private collector in Washington State, USA. Description: This Northern Song Dynasty Ding ware white-glazed carved conical bowl, decorated with lotus patterns on the rim, is an outstanding representative of fine Ding ware white porcelain from northern China. The bowl has a classic conical "doucai" (enamel overglaze) shape, with a six-petaled rim that flares slightly outward. The bowl walls are straight and sloping, with a narrow and shallow foot. The bowl's elegant outline resembles an inverted bamboo hat, with an overall broad, balanced, and graceful shape. The interior is exquisitely carved, depicting a continuous lotus pond scene with egrets, and the center is decorated with carved children and lotus patterns. Surrounding the center are flowing lotus leaves, blooming lotus flowers, curling lotus pods, and delicate water ripples, with egrets and water birds swimming naturally in the pond. The carving is exquisite and expressive, creating a subtle relief effect on the translucent glaze through variations in depth. The overall composition is balanced, and the lotus pattern is elegant, reflecting the refined aesthetic taste of Song Dynasty literati. The entire vessel is covered with the ivory-white glaze unique to Ding ware, with a soft and warm surface that exudes a restrained luster. The glaze retains natural traces and small brown spots left from the kiln firing process. The rim retains the subtle characteristics of the stacking firing technique of Ding ware, while the delicate white body showcases the exquisite craftsmanship of Ding ware. The bowl's exterior is plain, and the pure elegance of the white glaze complements the meticulously carved interior. The narrow foot is exquisitely shaped, retaining traces of wheel-throwing and the natural earth stains accumulated over time. The superb craftsmanship and balanced proportions demonstrate the mature production level of Northern Song Dynasty Ding ware. The lotus and egret motif symbolizes purity, integrity, academic success, and prosperity, and was one of the most admired decorative patterns in the Song Dynasty. This bowl is relatively large, with a unique floral rim, exquisite carvings, and an elegant glaze. It is considered a pinnacle of Northern white porcelain art and possesses extremely high value for collection, display, and ceramic research.

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