Sui‑Tang Dynasty Brown‑Glazed Pitcher with Applied Buddha Reliefs (6th‑10th Century A.D.)

拍品描述

Dimensions：Mouth diameter 9cm (3.54 in), height 8cm (3.15 in), 6th‑10th Century A.D.Condition & Provenance：The vessel remains intact, free of penetrating cracks, major chips or modern restoration. The pouring spout is well‑preserved. Applied Buddha reliefs on outer wall stay distinct and three‑dimensional. All mottled glaze, kiln‑effects and burial patina are original. The rough sandy base keeps primitive condition without artificial polishing or cleaning, only minor age‑related glaze flaking. Provenance: Former private collection of a Hong‑Kong‑based Sui‑Tang ceramic connoisseur. Acquired at Jakarta Asian Antique Fair in 2012, passed down overseas within one family for more than thirty years. This piece was only shown in private thematic exhibitions on medieval folk ceramics and has never been offered in public auction.Description：This pitcher was produced in folk kilns of Sui‑Tang China, functioning as a pouring vessel for wine or tea, decorated with Buddhist iconography. It adopts deep‑cup shape tapering toward base, equipped with a short spout for smooth liquid pouring. The coarse clay body is dotted with fine dark speckles, covered by variegated russet‑brown glaze. Natural kiln‑induced color variations of orange‑brown and off‑white spread across surface, with pale grey‑white glaze splashes around rim, conveying the rustic, vigorous charm of medieval folk pottery. Multiple molded seated‑Buddha reliefs are applied onto exterior wall. Each Buddha sits in lotus position with hands in prayer gesture, presenting serene facial expression. Reliefs were fired integrally with the body, embedding Buddhist motif within everyday tableware, which mirrors the widespread popular Buddhism among ordinary people during Sui‑Tang period. The interior is fully glazed with naturally mottled patina accumulated over centuries. Unglazed flat sandy base retains original trimming marks. Surviving complete Sui‑Tang pouring pitchers with Buddhist applied ornaments are quite rare, most comparable examples are fragmentary. This artifact combines practical usage and religious decoration, offering direct evidence for the integration of daily life and popular Buddhism in medieval China. Untouched ancient patina and soil encrustation make it valuable material for studying folk ceramic technology and secular Buddhist culture, holding decorative, archaeological‑research and antique‑collecting value, widely admired by medieval‑ceramic collectors from Hong Kong, Washington State USA and Southeast Asia.

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