Yuan Dynasty Longquan Celadon Moulded Dragon & Taotie Hexagonal Vase with Chi Dragon Handles,13th–14th century Chinese Longquan greenware

拍品描述

Dimensions:Mouth Width 8.7cm(3.43in),Overall Height 18.5cm(7.28in),13-14th century Yuan Longquan celadon ceramicCondition & Provenance:The vase is entirely intact with no cracks, chips, glaze flaking or restorations. The full creamy celadon glaze remains thick and smooth, all molded relief patterns stay sharp and three-dimensional. The twin chi dragon handles and movable square rings are fully preserved without missing pieces. Only natural russet iron rust patina exists on the unglazed hexagonal foot ring from centuries of firing and collection, no modern grinding, repainting or repairs. This artifact belonged to a private collector specializing in Longquan celadon based in Manhattan,New York,USA, purchased from a Hong Kong antique gallery in 2019. Hexagonal display vases made at Longquan kilns during Yuan times are quite rare worldwide. This piece features multi-layer molded dragon and taotie relief plus original dragon ear movable rings, standing as a representative fine work for imperial display and overseas export Longquan porcelain.Description:This hexagonal display vase is an archaic ritual bronze-inspired masterpiece crafted by Yuan Longquan kilns. It adopts a strict six-sided silhouette, with flared hexagonal mouth, contracted neck, rounded hexagonal belly and matching hexagonal foot base. Symmetric chi dragon-shaped handles are sculpted on both sides of the neck; each dragon head attaches to the vase body, with its jaws holding a freely movable square ring, showcasing elaborate three-dimensional carving techniques. The entire vase body is decorated with layered molded relief patterns from top to bottom: scrolling chi dragon motifs wrap around the neck; the upper belly features twin dragons chasing a pearl with fluid winding dragon bodies and full raised texture; the main lower belly band displays archaic taotie beast faces paired with curling cloud and wave secondary patterns, while a band of upward lotus petals encircles the area near the foot. All decorative layers are well-separated with striking sculptural depth. The whole surface is covered with thick uniform classic Longquan lavender-green celadon glaze, delivering soft muted luster and delicate smooth texture, free of heavy kiln cracks or glaze pinholes. The hexagonal base foot is unglazed, revealing dense solid clay with natural iron rust patina typical of Yuan Longquan wares. Modeled after Shang and Zhou bronze ritual zun vessels, this vase combines antique taotie and dragon auspicious motifs, balancing solemn ritual aesthetics and the elegant gentle temperament of celadon green glaze. Hexagonal shapes were extremely difficult to form during Yuan ceramic production and prone to warping in high-temperature firing. Undamaged fine specimens with twin dragon movable rings and full relief decoration are exceptionally scarce. It serves as a key reference specimen for researching Yuan celadon forming technology, molded carving craft and archaistic aesthetic trends, perfectly suited for professional ceramic museum permanent exhibitions and high-end private ancient celadon collections.

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