Ming Yongle Blue‑and‑White Ewer with Interlocking Lotus Scrolls, Ming Dynasty

拍品描述

Dimensions: Height 1.017 feet (31 cm). Condition and Provenance: This pot retains its original matching lid. The body is free of cracks, fine lines, defects, or signs of repair. Only slight signs of aging are present at the mouth and spout. The glaze is full and lustrous, with a stable cobalt blue hue. The unglazed foot rim exposes the solid, dry porcelain body with naturally aged clay crust and sand grains. The white glaze is well-preserved, showing no signs of modern polishing, reglazing, or repainting. This pot comes from the private collection of Mr. S.H. of New York City, New York, USA. Purchased in 1979 from an Oriental Antiques Gallery in New York, it has been passed down through two generations of the family and kept in a temperature- and humidity-controlled private storage facility. It has never been publicly auctioned or exhibited in a museum. Description: This blue and white porcelain pot is a typical early Yongle period imperial wine vessel. The pot has a rounded, pear-shaped body with a high, narrow neck. The lid is pearl-shaped and decorated with upward-facing lotus petal patterns. The long, curved spout connects to the neck via a cloud-shaped horizontal brace. A large, curved handle with a small ring hole at the top is attached to the other side of the spout. The base is a flared foot. The entire body is decorated with intricate lotus scroll patterns, while the lid and neck are adorned with scrolling grass and floral patterns. The spout and handle are also decorated with lotus scroll patterns, and the lower part of the body features wave patterns. The cobalt blue pigment produces a rich, full blue color with distinctive rust spots. Fluid and precise brushstrokes create a richly layered and clearly structured pattern. The porcelain body is delicate, covered with a thick, milky-white glaze with a bright luster. Natural aging marks are visible at the foot. The elegant and balanced contours and exquisite painting technique fully demonstrate the highest technical achievements of the Yongle imperial kilns, making this early Ming blue-and-white porcelain piece that combines practicality and decorative value.

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