Hongwu Underglaze Copper Red Dragon Lobed Charger, Early Ming Hongwu Period (Late 14th Century)

拍品描述

Dimensions：Diameter 45.5 cm (17.91 in), Height 7 cm (2.76 in), Imperial Ming copper red masterpiece crafted in the late 14th centuryCondition & Provenance：The charger is fully intact without cracks, rim chips or glaze loss; the lobed rim, curved wall and foot base remain in original condition. The underglaze copper red pigment delivers deep, saturated tones, with crisp, complete dragon and scrolling floral motifs. Minor copper aggregate specks and natural silvery bloom are inherent firing traits of Hongwu copper red, with no overpainting or glaze restoration work. The unglazed sandy base retains natural untouched wheel-throwing lines, free of acid washing, grinding or artificial aging treatments. Classified as imperial Ming underglaze red porcelain, this artifact circulated through California, previously held by a prominent private collector specializing in Hongwu imperial porcelain based in San Francisco, California. It comes with collection archives from a Toronto antique trade association and official appraisal certification for Hongwu imperial ceramics, with no aftermarket painted decorations, body repairs or artificially simulated copper firing blemishes.Description：This large Hongwu copper red lobed charger ranks among the most important imperial porcelain works of early Ming imperial kilns, commanding extraordinary prestige among high-end Chinese antique ceramic collectors across North America and widely sought after by elite Ming porcelain collectors in New York and Florida. It features a classic lobed foliate rim with wide flat flange, shallow curved belly and broad circular foot. At over 45.5 centimeters in diameter, fully intact large-format Hongwu copper red chargers are extremely scarce worldwide. The vessel boasts multi-layered, fully hand-painted copper red decoration following strict imperial kiln design rules: wave patterns run along the outermost rim band, scrolling floral vines encircle the flat flange, and a uniform band of upward lotus lappets adorns the exterior wall, all signature border motifs of Hongwu imperial porcelain. The central medallion is dominated by a powerful five-clawed striding dragon coiled amid flame scrolls. The dragon’s body is robust and dynamic, with meticulously scaled skin, flowing mane and sharp claw details rendered with bold, forceful brushwork that embodies the majestic, imposing aesthetic of early Ming imperial dragon iconography. Producing stable copper red underglaze was one of the greatest technical challenges of the Hongwu era; copper oxide pigment often faded or turned gray-black in high heat. This charger exhibits well-controlled, layered red-brown hues with minimal unwanted diffusion, showcasing exceptional firing mastery for the period. The base reveals pale beige unglazed sandy clay bearing distinct hand-thrown wheel marks left by Ming imperial artisans, paired with thick, solid porcelain body and genuine undisturbed aged patina. Large intact Hongwu copper red chargers are rarely found on the antique market, most surviving examples being broken fragments or smaller damaged dishes. This complete specimen retains full vivid decoration and stable copper red coloration, combining irreplaceable imperial historical significance with outstanding decorative display value. It is ideal for long-term special gallery exhibitions at Asian art institutions in California and New York, permanent high-end private collections of Ming imperial porcelain overseas, and installation in luxury Chinese art salons to showcase the unparalleled ceramic craftsmanship of early Ming royal kilns.

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