Ming Xuande Blue‑and‑White Alms‑Bowl Washer with Interlocking Seasonal Floral Scrolls

拍品描述

Dimensions：Height 14.5cm (5.71 Inches),15th Century Condition & Provenance：This alms‑bowl washer is fully intact without cracks or breaks,there is light age‑related wear around the rim from long‑time handling.Most glaze surface remains well‑preserved,with tiny old dark specks and minor glaze pinholes scattered over body.Smudged iron spots caused by original imported smalt cobalt sink slightly beneath glaze,the base six‑character mark is complete and readable.The unglazed foot ring bears natural aged patina,soil stain and original wheel‑trimming marks,no restoration work ever done.This piece originates from a private San Francisco,California collection,it was acquired overseas back in the 1980s,kept within one family and has never appeared in public auction sales. Description：This fine 15th‑century Ming Xuande period porcelain washer takes classic alms‑bowl shape with slightly flared constricted opening,short neck,plump rounded belly tapering down to flat base and raised foot ring,the whole silhouette is full and solid,a fine early Ming scholar’s display piece.Inside rim runs a neat border of cobalt dots.Two parallel blue lines divide the neck section.The outer wall is entirely covered by scrolling seasonal flower motifs,chrysanthemum,peony,lotus and other blossoms intertwine freely,large full blooms with layered petals,leaves turn up and down,painted with bold confident brushstrokes,rich composition without overcrowding.Near bottom sits a wide band of formal lotus petal panels with sharp clean outlines.Interior is covered by soft pale bluish‑white glaze,only inner rim carries matching dot border,inner cavity left plain to show off fine glaze quality.The base bears six‑character “Da Ming Xuan De Nian Zhi” mark inside double blue circles,the calligraphy is powerful and authentic for the period.It uses famous early Ming imported smalt cobalt,producing rich saturated deep‑blue tones,iron‑rich pigment creates those characteristic sun‑in speckles on glaze surface.Glaze body is thick,lustrous with soft bluish‑white antique glow.The exposed foot ring shows firm quality porcelain clay,original hand‑trimming marks and accumulated old patina from centuries of collection.Xuande alms‑bowl washers of this quality are quite scarce,well‑organized decoration inside and out,masterful painting and authentic base mark make it a standout example of Yongxuan blue‑and‑white porcelain,holding great aesthetic and academic research value.

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