Celadon Mandarin‑Duck‑Shaped Scholar’s Water Dropper, Song Dynasty,12th‑13th Century Song Dynasty Celadon Bionic Mandarin Duck Water Dropper For Chinese Scholar’s Desk

拍品描述

Dimensions: 11 cm (4.33 inches) long, 7.5 cm (2.95 inches) high. A 12th-13th century Song Dynasty celadon water dropper in the shape of a mandarin duck, intended for a scholar's study. Condition and Provenance: This piece is shaped like a reclining mandarin duck, covered entirely in a soft, even sky-blue glaze with fine, natural crackle patterns. The duck's beak holds a ribbon-like ornament, and there is a flower-shaped water inlet on its back. Feather details are depicted with shallow incised lines. Three kiln marks are visible on the base, revealing the light gray body. The piece is in excellent condition, without cracks or damage. Only scattered traces of yellowish-brown soil burial are visible on the glaze. There are no fine cracks, repairs, or subsequent glazing. Every carved decorative detail is clear and complete, and the ancient nail marks are well preserved. This water dropper was formerly owned by a renowned pre-Ming Dynasty porcelain collection in Hong Kong and entered a private collection in Washington State specializing in Song Dynasty porcelain in 2025. Hong Kong is a globally important trading center for Song Dynasty and pre-Ming Dynasty porcelain antiques. Description: This Song Dynasty celadon mandarin duck water dropper is a prime example of biomimetic porcelain stationery, an essential item in the traditional Chinese scholar's study. Water droppers were specialized tools used for precisely adding water to the inkstone during calligraphy and painting practice. Mandarin ducks symbolize happy marriages and unions, and are one of the most popular auspicious animal themes in Song Dynasty art. This water dropper is vividly shaped, with the mandarin ducks' rounded bodies and leisurely postures appearing lifelike. Ancient craftsmen skillfully combined human figure sculpting with high-temperature firing techniques, using a flower-shaped opening on the back of the mandarin ducks to pour water into the hollow vessel. Delicate shallow incised lines outline the layered feather texture, and the simple, flowing carving strokes showcase the texture of the feathers with minimalist artistic treatment. The entire piece is covered with a uniform and soft celadon glaze, the surface of which is covered with fine crackles naturally formed during the cooling process in the kiln. Three neatly sized nail marks on the bottom reflect typical Song Dynasty auxiliary firing techniques, preserving authentic traces of the production process. Bionic literati porcelain from the Song Dynasty is relatively rare on the antique market, and well-preserved animal-shaped water droppers are even rarer. Most similar pieces on the market have flaws such as chipped rims, cracks, or glue residue. This mandarin duck piece is vividly shaped, with a pure celadon glaze, natural patina, and complete decoration. It is a precious artifact for understanding the customs of Song Dynasty literati workshops, Chinese bionic ceramic techniques, and traditional auspicious symbolism. This porcelain piece is highly sought after by early Chinese porcelain collectors internationally, possessing both exquisite aesthetic value and significant academic value, making it a superior small collectible among Song Dynasty literati porcelain.

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