Chenghua Period Ming Dynasty Dou‑cai “Tian” Mark Covered Jar with Dragon and Melon Scroll

拍品描述

Dimensions: 18 cm high. Condition and Provenance: Original jar and lid, complete and intact, without cracks or damage. All glazes are well preserved and lustrous. The foot rim shows natural signs of age. Unrestored and unchemically cleaned. From the private collection of R.S. in Dallas, Texas, USA. Acquired in 2020, it has been passed down through generations and stored in a temperature- and humidity-controlled warehouse, never appearing in public auctions or museum exhibitions. Description: This is a Ming Dynasty Chenghua period imperial doucai (enamel overglaze) covered jar with a "Tian" (天) mark on the base. It has a short, thick neck, full and rounded shoulders, a wide body that tapers downwards, and a neatly trimmed foot rim. It comes with its original spherical lid. The base is decorated with a single-character "Tian" (天) mark in underglaze blue, a typical feature of Chenghua imperial jars. Below the rim and above the foot rim, lotus petal patterns are incised on a reddish-brown ground. The body is painted in bean enamel, decorated with dragon and melon scroll patterns. A majestic dragon, its mane flowing, is outlined in underglaze blue and meanders among lush melon vines. The melons, leaves, and small yellow flowers are filled with a yellow-green glaze, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship. The lid knob is adorned with yellow-green lotus petals, the rim with scrolling grass patterns, and the lid surface itself is decorated with a dragon-riding motif in doucai enamel, echoing the body of the jar. This jar employs the classic doucai technique: outlining the shape with underglaze blue and filling it with colored glazes. The cobalt blue tones are soft and serene, and the glaze colors are fresh and elegant. The combination of the dragon and melons symbolizes prosperity and the flourishing of offspring. Extant Chenghua doucai imperial jars are extremely rare. This magnificent jar, with its full shape, exquisite decoration, and harmonious colors, represents the superb craftsmanship of Ming dynasty imperial porcelain and possesses extraordinary artistic and collectible value.

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