Yuan Dynasty Longquan Kiln Celadon Spot‑Glazed Cups with Applied Fish Motifs, Pair (13th‑14th Century A.D.)

拍品描述

Dimensions：Mouth Diameter 7.3cm (2.87 in), Height 3.5cm (1.38 in), 13th‑14th Century A.D.Condition & Provenance：Both cups are fully intact, free of cracks, chips or modern restoration. Rich plum‑green glaze carries naturally scattered brown‑black speckles. Unglazed applied fish reliefs at inner bases are perfectly preserved. Foot rings show distinct reddish‑brown firing discoloration with authentic antique patina. The pair maintains highly consistent glaze tone and shape. Provenance: Private collection, San Francisco, California, USA. Acquired from an Asian antique dealer in Toronto in 2005. Held within a private family collection for decades, rarely exhibited publicly and never offered at auction.Description：This matched pair of tiny celadon drinking cups was made at Longquan kilns during Yuan dynasty, intended for literati tea gatherings. Each cup features gently incurved rim, full rounded belly and compact proportions that sit comfortably in the hand. Thick velvety plum‑green glaze evenly covers interior and exterior surfaces. Random brown‑black spot decorations scatter around rims and outer walls, created by hand‑applied iron‑rich slip before firing, yielding spontaneous organic patterning. At the bottom of each cup sits an unglazed molded fish relief. Fine details of scales and fins are sharply defined. Exposed biscuit‑fired fish bodies turn warm orange‑red in kiln, delivering striking visual contrast against cool green glaze. The unglazed foot rings are neatly trimmed, marked by prominent rust‑red firing discoloration typical for Yuan Longquan wares. Applied fish decoration carries the auspicious meaning of abundance and surplus, one of the most beloved motifs of Longquan ceramics. Iron‑spot decoration was a special, technically demanding treatment. Surviving original pairs are quite uncommon today. This well‑preserved pair exhibits canonical form, substantial glaze quality, lively iron speckles and crisp fish appliqués, retaining genuine antique patina untouched by restoration. Functionally suitable for tea tasting as well as cabinet display, they serve as meaningful physical evidence for studying Yuan‑era Longquan decorative techniques and southern Chinese tea culture, possessing solid collectible value.

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