Large Jun‑Yao Flambe Censer with Applied Beast‑Face & Floral Decor, Yuan‑Ming Period

拍品描述

Dimensions: 20 cm (7.87 inches) in diameter, 27 cm (10.63 inches) in total height, 13th-17th century Yuan-Ming dynasty Jun ware ritual porcelain. Condition and Provenance: The incense burner is in excellent condition overall, with no obvious cracks or damage. The glaze is covered with fine, natural crackles. Burnt-reddish-purple lines flow naturally on the surface. The animal head and floral relief decorations are well preserved. The openwork upright crown-shaped handle and side ring handles are intact. The exposed foot shows a natural patina from burial and age. There are only minor chips on the rim; no signs of modern repair or artificial glazing. This piece circulated in European antique circles decades ago and is now in the collection of a private early Chinese ceramics collector in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. Hong Kong was a major global market for pre-Qing dynasty Chinese ceramics. Description: This large Jun ware tripod incense burner is an important ritual vessel from the Yuan-Ming period, its overall shape imitating ancient bronze tripods. The incense burner has an everted rim, a thick neck, and a rounded, full body, supported by three sturdy animal-hoof-shaped feet. On either side of the rim are a pair of openwork, upright, crown-shaped handles, and on either side of the neck are two curled, ring-shaped handles. The entire burner exudes a majestic and solemn presence. The body is covered entirely in a thick, rich, deep blue Jun ware glaze, with natural crackles. Vibrant rose-purple and wild apple-red flame glazes flow and blend on the blue base, showcasing the characteristic, ever-changing colors of Jun ware porcelain. The exterior is decorated with various molded and applied patterns: the neck features exquisite floral designs, while the body is adorned with a striking relief of a taotie (a mythical beast) mask. The relief's outline is clear and three-dimensional, with the exposed clay contrasting sharply with the flowing flame glaze. The base and the tip of the foot reveal the rough, yellowish-brown original clay, bearing natural signs of age. Jun ware is one of the most famous kiln sites among ancient ceramic workshops in northern China. Large incense burners of this type were used in temple and ancestral hall sacrificial activities. Large, well-preserved Jun ware ritual vessels are extremely rare. This piece combines the shape of ancient bronzes, the magnificent flame glaze, and the exquisite appliqué technique, making it a top-tier work of Yuan and Ming dynasty Jun ware, possessing significant academic research value and extremely high collection value.

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