Song‑Dynasty White‑Glazed Brown‑Speckled Phoenix‑Shaped Loop‑Handle Ewer (10th‑13th Century A.D.)

拍品描述

Dimensions：Overall length 12cm (4.72 in), overall height 10.5cm (4.13 in), 10th‑13th Century A.D.Condition & Provenance：The ewer is fully intact without cracks. Phoenix head, loop handle, spout and four feet remain original with no restoration or re‑attachment. Milky white glaze is well‑preserved alongside brown speckles, vertical incised ribs are distinct. Unglazed base bears dry original burial patina and firing traces, no acid washing or artificial polishing. Provenance: Former private collection of a Song‑ceramic collector based in Washington, USA. Acquired at Jakarta Ancient Asian Ceramics Fair in 2013, privately preserved within one family for over thirty years. It was only exhibited in private themed shows of Song‑dynasty sculptural ceramics and has never been offered in public auctions.Description：This white‑glazed phoenix‑form ewer was produced at a regional folk kiln of Song China, serving as a scholarly water dispenser for ink stone. It masterfully merges practical function with figurative design. The vessel is modeled as a phoenix with raised bird‑head, outward‑projecting spout, arched loop handle across back, upturned tiny tail, and a full bulbous body decorated with vertical incised ribs, supported firmly by four short feet. Milky white glaze covers most surface, accented by scattered brown speckles on handle, head and body for lively visual effect. Unglazed base reveals coarse robust pottery with clear hand‑forming traces. As scholarly culture flourished in Song period, zoomorphic ceramic wares became popular, and phoenix motif carried auspicious connotations. This piece integrates hand‑modelling, spot‑coloring and incised decoration. Its naive vivid sculptural quality makes it a fine example of Song folk figurative ceramics. Complete comparable examples are scarce. It delivers important reference value for researching Song scholar‑studio implements and folk ceramic sculpture, suitable for display, academic study and antique collecting, highly valued by Song‑porcelain collectors from Washington, Nevada and Hong Kong.

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