Jin Dynasty Yue Kiln Celadon Giant Ewer With Dragon Handle, Elephant Spout, Lotus Carving & Four Loops

拍品描述

Dimensions：Overall height 47 cm (18.5 in), maximum belly diameter 42 cm (16.5 in), 3rd‑5th Century CECondition & Provenance：The ewer is fully intact with no deep cracks or major missing pieces; dragon handle, elephant spout and four suspension loops are all preserved completely. Original celadon glaze survives across most of the surface, covered with natural burial mineral encrustation spots and fine age crazing. Incised lotus petal patterns on upper body remain crisp and unbroken. Unglazed base shows authentic earthy yellow clay matrix, only minor glaze wear on rim and bottom from long underground burial, no modern repair or re‑glazing work. Classified as pre‑Song ancient celadon, this artifact was unearthed from an ancient tomb in Jiangsu‑Zhejiang region, passed down through generations of a senior pre‑Tang porcelain collector in Hong Kong. It stays within Hong Kong private collection in 2026, accompanied by full excavation records, lineage files and authoritative ancient ceramic appraisal certification.Description：This massive Yue kiln celadon ewer from the Jin Dynasty is an extremely rare large ritual water vessel from the Six Dynasties period, boasting grand monumental proportions and ranking among the finest surviving celadon works of its era. The body takes a full spherical shape, fitted with a flared dish mouth and constricted neck adorned with fine concentric wheel‑turned lines. Four pairs of double‑strand bridge loops symmetrically attach to the shoulder, designed for rope lifting and transport in ancient times. A fully sculpted elephant head forms the pouring spout, its trunk curving upward as the outlet, with vividly carved facial features and ears showing lifelike craftsmanship. On the opposite side rises a curved dragon handle coiled along the vessel wall; the dragon head leans over the dish rim, featuring prominent round eyes, layered whiskers and flowing mane with intricate three‑dimensional carving. A full band of neatly incised lotus petals encircles the upper shoulder, rendered with sharp, fluid outlines—a classic decorative motif born from widespread Buddhist culture during the Six Dynasties. The entire exterior is coated with thick greyish‑brown primitive Yue celadon glaze. Thousands of years of underground burial left mottled natural mineral stains and uniform fine crazing all over the glaze. The flat base is left unglazed, revealing coarse, aged yellow clay bearing genuine kiln firing and burial traces. The elephant motif symbolizes peace and prosperity, the dragon represents imperial power and good fortune, while lotus patterns stand for purity and auspiciousness, combining three core traditional Chinese auspicious emblems in one single piece. Producing such an oversized celadon vessel carried immense technical risk, as large ceramic forms frequently warp or crack during firing. Complete surviving examples of this scale are exceedingly scarce, and intact specimens featuring both dragon handle and elephant spout are nearly unobtainable on the global antique market. This museum‑grade masterpiece serves as vital physical evidence for researching southern Chinese ceramic technology, Buddhist cultural spread and aristocratic ritual customs during the Jin Dynasty. Highly coveted by international collectors of pre‑Song celadon, it delivers irreplaceable academic archaeological value alongside premium display and investment potential.

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