Ming Xuande Period Underglaze‑Blue and Iron‑Red Stem Bowl with Dragon‑and‑Sea‑Wave Motif

拍品描述

Dimensions: 8 cm high, 10 cm in diameter. Condition and Provenance: The bowl is intact, without cracks or damage. There are slight signs of aging on the rim. The cobalt blue and iron-red glazes are well preserved. The foot rim has a natural earthy patina. It has not undergone modern restoration or chemical cleaning. From the private collection of C.W. in San Francisco, California, USA. Acquired in 2001, it has been passed down through generations and has always been kept in a temperature- and humidity-controlled warehouse, never appearing in public auctions or museum exhibitions. Description: This stemmed bowl is an imperial wine vessel made in the Jingdezhen imperial kilns during the Xuande period of the Ming Dynasty. The rim flares outwards, the body curves, and the handle is hollow and flared outwards. The entire body is decorated with an iron-red, turbulent sea pattern, dotted with pale white foam. Several vigorous five-clawed dragons are painted in underglaze blue amidst the waves, galloping and weaving with magnificent momentum. The handle is also decorated with the same iron-red wave pattern and underglaze blue cliff and mountain pattern. Double blue lines outline the rim and foot. The interior is pure white, with the central inscription "Made in the Xuande Reign of the Great Ming Dynasty" encircled by double blue circles, showcasing the typical calligraphic style of the Xuande official mark. Imported cobalt blue pigment produces a rich, deep blue with natural iron rust spots. Iron oxide red pigment, on the other hand, presents a vibrant, full red, creating a striking color contrast. The glaze is lustrous, and the body is fine and solid. The combination of underglaze blue and iron oxide red is a rare and luxurious court technique from the Xuande period, with extremely few surviving examples. This piece represents the pinnacle of early Ming official kiln porcelain craftsmanship and imperial aesthetics.

图片