Yuan Underglaze‑Red Porcelain Group Sculpture of Queen Mother of the West

拍品描述

Dimensions: 21 cm high, 14 cm wide (0.689 ft high, 0.459 ft wide) Condition and Provenance: The entire set of porcelain sculptures is free of cracks. The main deity, attendants, and auspicious beasts are all well-preserved. The raised crown and hem of the clothing show slight signs of aging. The unglazed base has an ancient patina and signs of burial, covered with a natural, aged patina. No chips, modern restorations, or chemical cleaning. From the private collection of J.H. in San Francisco, California, USA. The collector specializes in Yuan dynasty polychrome porcelain figurines. This piece was acquired in 2002 and has been passed down through family, stored in a temperature- and humidity-controlled warehouse, never appearing in public auctions or museum exhibitions. Description: This set of porcelain sculptures was fired in the Jingdezhen kilns during the Yuan dynasty and was used for Taoist rituals. The entire set is molded as one piece on a rectangular base. The central figure, the Queen Mother of the West, wears an exquisite ceremonial crown, with a round and gentle face, and a solemn and serene expression. She wears a multi-layered, cross-collared robe with the hem flowing naturally, decorated with underglaze red enamel and outlined in brown-black. On either side stand a female attendant, her hair neatly styled, holding offerings. Before the deity stand cranes and reclining deer, symbolizing good fortune and longevity. The base glaze is bluish-white, with the figures' faces and clothing depicted in underglaze red and outlined in brown-black, showcasing the typical underglaze red firing effect of the Yuan dynasty. Vents are present on the back. The exposed base glaze reveals the rough clay and retains traces of hand-sculpting. Details such as facial expressions, clothing folds, and animal forms are vividly depicted. Extant Yuan dynasty underglaze red artifacts are rare, and complete group portraits are extremely rare, possessing significant religious and cultural value as well as value for craft research.

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