Ru Kiln Sky-Celadon Peach-shaped Water Pot, Northern Song Dynasty, 11th-12th Century

拍品描述

Dimensions: 8.5 cm (3.35 in) long, 7.5 cm (2.95 in) high, Northern Song Dynasty, 11th-12th century. Condition and Provenance: This piece is in perfect condition, without cracks, defects, or signs of repair. It is covered entirely in Ru ware celadon glaze with natural crackles and the original yellowish-brown hue formed from long-term burial underground. Three sesame-seed-sized kiln feet are clearly visible on the base, with neat firing marks, indicating a typical incense ash clay body. There is no evidence of later glazing, artificial pigments, or antique finishing. This Ru ware peach-shaped water jug has long been removed from the Central Plains and is currently in the possession of a private collector in Hong Kong specializing in pre-Ming and Song dynasty ceramics. Hong Kong was a major trading center for Song dynasty and earlier ceramics. Description: This Northern Song Dynasty Ru ware celadon peach-shaped water jug was a vessel found on the desk of a Song dynasty court scholar. Ru ware ranks first among the five major imperial kilns of the Song dynasty in China, and authentic Ru ware pieces are extremely rare worldwide. This teapot is remarkably lifelike, resembling a peach, a symbol of longevity, with a spout also shaped like a peach tip. The body is rounded and full, with a small, circular foot. The lines are soft and flowing, perfectly blending natural biomimicry with the minimalist aesthetics favored by Song Dynasty literati. The glaze is even and silky, displaying the classic "sky-blue after rain" color. Fine, cicada-wing-like crackles are evenly distributed across the glaze, creating rich layers. Both the interior and exterior are covered with light brown earthen mottling, naturally formed over hundreds of years buried underground, untouched by artificial cleaning or polishing. Three distinctive small firing marks, resembling sesame seeds, remain on the recessed circular base, revealing the characteristic ash-gray body of Northern Song Dynasty Ru ware imperial porcelain—a hallmark of authentic Ru ware. Designed as a water jug for scholars grinding ink, this piece combines practicality and decorative beauty. The peach motif symbolizes longevity and good fortune. This piece combines top-grade imperial celadon glaze, authentic firing techniques, and auspicious biomimetic patterns, making it a model of Ru ware stationery. It is not only an ideal addition to the core exhibition hall of Song Dynasty ceramics, but also possesses extremely high academic and auction value in the global antique porcelain collecting world.

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