Jun‑Red Glaze Apple‑Shaped Water Pot, Qing Dynasty, 17th‑19th Century

拍品描述

Dimensions: Overall height 7.5 cm (2.95 inches), maximum width 7.2 cm (2.83 inches). Condition and Provenance: The shape remains perfectly centered. The outer Jun red glaze is naturally blended, covered with countless tiny natural red crystals, about the size of sesame seeds. The glaze is thick and moist, with a soft and restrained luster, showing no signs of artificial polishing or acid washing. The rim is rounded and smooth, with the edge naturally whitish due to the thinning of the glaze during firing, without large chips, bumps, through cracks, or hidden cracks. Only a few minor surface scratches remain on the outer wall, typical wear and tear from use and circulation of antiques, hardly affecting the appearance. The full, rounded belly has a solid glaze, without peeling or cracking. The celadon glaze has fine natural crackles, showing no signs of reglazing or repair polishing. This porcelain piece originated from the collection of an elderly scholar in the Jiangnan region of China and entered the overseas antique market in the 1990s. It is currently held by a private collector of Qing dynasty porcelain residing in California, USA. Major trading centers for Ming and Qing dynasty porcelain included California, New York, and Texas. Description: This Qing dynasty Jun-red apple-shaped water jug mimics the shape of a plump apple, with a slightly flared mouth, a short neck, and a naturally transitioning body that tapers gradually downwards to a delicate small foot. Its small and elegant form was traditionally used in Chinese studies for holding water when grinding ink. The entire body is covered in a rich Jun-red glaze, exhibiting a deep, dark red tone interspersed with scattered brown sesame-like crystals, naturally formed during high-temperature firing. The glaze flows smoothly. The glaze at the rim of the mouth is thinner due to the high-temperature firing, appearing pale white, creating a striking visual contrast with the red glaze. The interior is covered in a clean, light blue glaze, ideal for holding water. The foot is finely finished, bearing traces of residual kiln sand. The center of the base is covered in a light blue glaze with a dense, interwoven crackle pattern, formed over centuries of thermal expansion and contraction. High-temperature firing of red glaze was a tremendous technical challenge in Qing dynasty kilns; even slight deviations in kiln temperature could result in a dull glaze, excessive glaze drips, or glaze adhering to the bottom of the pot. This water pot boasts vibrant and balanced colors, an exquisite and perfect shape, and combines practical function with aesthetic value. It authentically reflects the monochrome glaze firing techniques of the Qing dynasty and the refined aesthetic tastes of literati. It serves as a reliable physical reference for studying the kiln variations of red glaze in the Qing dynasty, is highly suitable for research projects, and is also a valuable addition to the collections of seasoned connoisseurs and scholars.

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