Southern Song Dynasty (12th–13th Century) Longquan Kiln Celadon Small Covered Jar with Powder-Blue Glaze

拍品描述

Dimensions: 9 cm (3.54 in) in diameter, 5.8 cm (2.28 in) in height, 13th century. Condition and Provenance: This jar is in excellent condition and comes with its original lid. The pale celadon glaze is well-preserved, with a smooth and translucent surface. There are no cracks or major defects; only slight signs of aging are visible at the rim and foot. The exposed clay shows natural firing marks with a reddish kiln effect. Provenance: From a private collection in New York, USA, now in the collection of an overseas Chinese classical ceramics museum. Description: This Longquan celadon covered jar has a compact and rounded shape, traditionally used for storing spices, medicines, or stationery items such as ink paste. This jar is in excellent condition and comes with its original lid. The body is rounded, the lid is slightly flattened, and the overall shape is symmetrical and elegant. The short, straight rim, the gently flared rim, the full shoulder, and the smoothly tapering lower part showcase the exquisite simplicity of Southern Song ceramic design. The entire piece is covered with a rich, pale blue celadon glaze, with a soft, jade-like color and a warm, understated luster. The vessel is deliberately kept plain, allowing the beauty of the glaze and the graceful proportions of its form to become the visual focus. A reddish-brown firing mark is visible on the exposed rim, a trace of the natural interaction between the clay and the kiln atmosphere. The bottom reveals a reddish-brown clay ring, showcasing the traditional ceramic techniques of the time. The interior is also fully glazed, clean and glossy, suitable for everyday storage. This type of small, covered jar was widely used in ancient households, serving as an incense burner, medicine jar, and later as an object in the scholar's study. This piece, with its exquisite Longquan celadon glaze, delicate shape, and understated beauty, represents the enduring elegance of Southern Song ceramics and remains a model of Chinese ceramic art to this day.

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