Song Dynasty (10th–13th Century) Black-Glazed Four-Loop Covered Jar with Olive-Shaped Body

拍品描述

Dimensions: Height 28 cm (approx. 11.0 in. 0.92 ft), Mouth diameter 7 cm (approx. 2.8 in. 0.23 ft), Song Dynasty (11th-13th century). Condition and Provenance: Well-preserved, with original lid and four original ring handles. The surface shows natural signs of aging, minor signs of use, and a few stains; the glaze has an antique texture. The foot retains exposed clay and original kiln firing marks. Provenance: Private collection in Florida, USA; held in the family collection for over 40 years. Description: This antique black-glazed covered jar, with its full olive shape and original lid, is representative of practical storage vessels in the early Chinese ceramic tradition. It has a small mouth, short neck, slender body, rounded shoulders, a slightly constricted lower section, and a low foot. Four raised, bridge-shaped handles are evenly distributed around the shoulders, originally designed for attaching ropes and facilitating carrying. The original lid is dome-shaped with a small ornament on top, and its edge fits perfectly to the body of the jar. The exposed sandy clay foot reveals a yellowish-brown earthenware body, slightly rough at the bottom, and bearing the characteristic wheel-firing marks of traditional kiln firing techniques. Both the interior and exterior of the jar are covered in a deep black glaze, radiating a rich yet understated sheen. Fine signs of wear accumulated over long-term use, along with subtle mineral staining and natural weathering of the glaze, lend the piece a rustic and elegant charm. The lid matches the glaze and clay texture of the jar. The body and lid are intact, without any obvious cracks or missing parts. The four handles are undamaged, and the foot retains its natural aging characteristics, untouched by any artificial modification. Four-ring jars were traditionally used for storing grains, liquids, and daily necessities; their ring design facilitates handling and movement. This relatively large piece, retaining its original lid and employing a restrained black glaze aesthetic, embodies the practical beauty of early Chinese folk ceramics, possessing significant historical and collectible value.

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