Dynasty Blue-and-White and Copper-Red Large Jar with Fish and Aquatic Plants

拍品描述

Dimensions: 30.4 cm (approx. 11.97 inches); Yuan Dynasty, 13th-14th century. Condition and Provenance: Well-preserved, with a straight and intact mouth, short neck, broad shoulders, rounded body, and intact base. The wavy rim of the neck, the fish and aquatic plant motifs on the body, and the lotus petal motifs on the base are clearly visible. The cobalt blue glaze transitions naturally from a soft grayish-blue to a deep indigo; the copper-red fish motifs exhibit a hue ranging from warm reddish-brown to deep copper-red, a natural variation during the firing process. The glaze is a soft bluish-white with slight signs of age and long handling and display; slight wear of the old glaze is visible on the mouth and base. The interior is glazed in a light bluish-white, showing throwing marks, kiln marks, and some old glaze deposits. The piece has a broad, unglazed sandy base with numerous repair marks, ancient soil deposits, stains, and natural wear. This piece comes from a private collection in California, USA, and was formerly owned by an overseas family. Description: This Yuan dynasty blue-and-white copper-red glazed jar, 30.4 cm tall, possesses the weighty and stable proportions characteristic of early large Chinese storage and display jars. The flat base provides ample space for the painted decoration. A dense band of wave patterns encircles the neck. The water surface, composed of recurring cobalt blue curves, curling crests, and fine lines, creates a coherent sense of movement. This band establishes the aquatic theme, after which the body is decorated with fish and plant motifs. Smaller details are painted in cobalt blue. The contrast is striking and highly effective: the warm red fish stand out against the cool blue plants and light glaze, giving the painting a strong visual focus. The fish tails spread outwards, as if swimming in the water. The natural tones of the copper pigment range from deeper reddish-brown to warmer copper red. Areas where the pigment is applied thicker show a deeper and more saturated color.

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