Northern Song Dynasty (960–1127) Qingbai Glazed Child Riding a Lion Ceramic Sculpture

拍品描述

Dimensions: 20 cm (7.9 in./0.66 ft) long, 12 cm (4.7 in./0.39 ft) high, 11th century. Condition and Provenance: Excellent overall condition, complete sculpture, soft glaze with natural marks of age and burial. Provenance: Private collection, California, USA. Description: This celadon ceramic sculpture depicts a child riding a guardian lion and is a masterpiece of Song Dynasty Lakefield kiln ceramic sculpture. Measuring 20 cm long and 12 cm high, it is a fine decorative and collectible piece. The sculpture is three-dimensional, depicting a reclining lion with its limbs tucked under its body, head slightly raised and turned, mouth open, mane curly, and posture graceful. The lion is decorated with raised beaded patterns and floral motifs, the saddle is finely carved, and the tail is held high, flowing gracefully. A young boy sits atop the lion's back, his face round, hair curly, holding a precious object in his hands; the interaction between human and animal is vivid and lifelike. The entire piece is covered in a soft, bluish-white glaze, showcasing the elegant blue-green hues characteristic of Song Dynasty ceramics. The glaze naturally diffuses in the recessed areas, revealing a deep, jade-like color, while the raised areas reveal subtle variations in the clay body. The sculpture employs a combination of molding and hand-finishing techniques, with meticulous detail in the boy's face, lion's mane, floral patterns, and clothing, creating a remarkably three-dimensional effect. The unglazed base exposes the pristine white clay body, bearing natural traces of clay and the marks of time, reflecting the traditional firing characteristics of Song Dynasty ceramic sculpture. The theme of a child riding a lion symbolizes good fortune, representing protection, prosperity, and blessings for future generations. Song Dynasty bluish-white porcelain sculptures are extremely rare, and this piece demonstrates the exquisite craftsmanship, elegant form, and refined aesthetic quality of Song Dynasty decorative ceramics, making it highly valuable for museum exhibitions, academic research, and collection.

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