Hutian Kiln Qingbai Glazed Melon‑Ribbed Ewer And Molded Phoenix‑Pattern Elephant‑Ear Vase, Song Dynasty,10th‑13th Century Pair Of Hutian Kiln Qingbai Porcelain Vessels, Melon‑Ribbed Ewer And Molded Phoenix Elephant‑Ear Vase
专场: Asian Art Auction (Part II)
拍品描述
Dimensions: The melon-ribbed water jug is 10.5 cm (4.13 inches) high, and the elephant-ear vase is 10 cm (3.94 inches) high. This is a set of two Song Dynasty Hutian kiln celadon wine vessels and scholar's objects, dating from the 10th to 13th centuries. Condition and Provenance: Both pieces are typical Hutian kiln celadon porcelain. The melon-ribbed water jug has a melon-shaped body decorated with vertical ribs, an everted mouth, a slender neck, a curved handle, and an extended spout. The glaze has fine, natural crackles; the unglazed foot shows traces of sandy firing pads, as well as clay crust and kiln spots. The elephant-ear vase has a pair of elephant-head-shaped handles; the body is decorated with phoenix patterns, and the neck with meander patterns and upward-facing lotus petals. The glaze is glossy, with yellowing from burial on the rim, handles, and foot. Both pieces show no obvious cracks, defects, or repair marks, only slight signs of aging on the rim. The original patina and firing rings are perfectly preserved, without any modern glazing or artificial repair. This set of pieces circulated in the Hong Kong antique market and was acquired by a private collection specializing in Song Dynasty porcelain in Hong Kong in 2023. Hong Kong was a major global market for pre-Ming Dynasty Chinese porcelain. Description: This set of two Song Dynasty Hutian kiln celadon pieces showcases two typical forms of Hutian porcelain: a melon-ribbed water pot and a phoenix-patterned elephant-ear vase. The melon-ribbed water pot has clear body patterns, an elegant trumpet-shaped mouth, and a slender neck; the handle is decorated with a small hanging ring, and the spout is long and graceful. Its symmetrical and exquisite shape was widely used in daily life during the Song Dynasty as a wine pot or a water dropper in a scholar's study. The elephant-ear-shaped vase is inspired by ancient ritual bronze vessels, with double elephant-head handles on the body. The body is deeply carved with phoenix patterns, and the neck is decorated with continuous meander and lotus petal patterns, perfectly combining molding decoration and sculptural techniques, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of Song Dynasty ceramic art. Both pieces are glazed in the Hutian celadon glaze, a soft, pale, translucent color that exhibits unique crackle patterns resulting from natural crazing over centuries. The unglazed foot rims retain the original texture of the sand-firing process, including natural earthy hues and kiln slag spots—authentic archaeological features of Song Dynasty porcelain unearthed from archaeological sites. Hutian celadon combines practicality and decoration. The melon-ribbed water jug was used for pouring wine or adding water in a study, while the elephant-ear-shaped bottle served as a tabletop decoration or for offering sacrifices. While small celadon pieces are not entirely rare, a well-preserved pair from the same kiln, with clear mold patterns and an untreated patina, is extremely valuable. This set is an excellent reference specimen for studying Song Dynasty celadon craftsmanship and also serves as exquisite tabletop ornaments. It provides invaluable material for the study of everyday Song Dynasty porcelain and mold-decoration techniques and enjoys a high reputation among international collectors of Ming Dynasty porcelain.
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