Song Dynasty Cizhou‑Kiln Meiping Vase with Sgraffito Peony Scroll on White Slip Ground

拍品描述

Dimensions：Overall height 25.5 cm (10.0 in), mouth diameter 5 cm (2.0 in), 10th‑13th Century CECondition & Provenance：The vase is largely intact without deep cracks or major chips. Black glaze around the lip is well‑preserved. All carved sgraffito patterns remain sharp and legible, coated with genuine antique patina accumulated over centuries. The unglazed base shows natural soil encrustation and age‑related wear. Minor old chips and glaze loss along edges represent normal antique‑ceramic wear; there is no modern restoration or later carved alteration. Classified as pre‑Song porcelain, this piece was unearthed from an ancient northern Chinese site and passed down within an experienced pre‑Yuan porcelain collector circle in Hong‑Kong. It is accompanied by excavation background notes, vintage collection stickers and authoritative antique‑ceramic authentication certificate.Description：This Song‑period Cizhou‑kiln meiping is a representative wine‑storage and display vessel from northern China, showcasing masterful sgraffito carving craftsmanship popular during the Song‑Jin era. Following classic meiping form, it has a small opening finished with black lip glaze, short neck, full rounded shoulders, tapering body and stable foot ring. Its robust silhouette embodies the bold, earthy aesthetic characteristic of northern folk ceramics. It adopts Cizhou’s signature slip‑sgraffito technique: white slip was applied over the coarse body, then parts of the slip were carved away to reveal the grey‑brown clay underneath, raising floral motifs in strong relief. Multiple decorative bands encircle the shoulder, including scrolling foliage and triangular geometric panels rendered in fine orderly detail. The main central field across the belly features large exuberant intertwined peony blossoms. Peony petals are full and voluminous, twisting branches and leaves flow freely across the surface. Carving strokes are confident, sharp and unrestrained. Peony symbolizes prosperity, wealth and good fortune in traditional Chinese culture. Two concentric bands of scrolling cloud patterns decorate the lower body, harmonizing visually with shoulder ornaments. The whole composition is dense yet well‑organized with distinct layered zones. The bare base reveals coarse dry clay marked by genuine burial‑related discoloration, typical for northern excavated Cizhou wares. Cizhou was the largest folk kiln complex in medieval northern China. While sgraffito meipings survive, well‑preserved medium‑sized examples with complete crisp decoration are quite uncommon on the global market. This specimen combines skilled wheel‑throwing, fluent carving execution and full multi‑zone decorative layout. It serves as valuable physical reference for studying Song‑Jin folk aesthetics and northern ceramic technology. Possessing powerful antique charm together with strong display appeal, it is highly sought‑after among international pre‑Yuan porcelain collectors.

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