Ming Yongle Blue‑and‑White Porcelain Duck‑Form Water Dropper

拍品描述

Dimensions：W.19cm (7.48 Inches),15th Century Condition & Provenance：The object is complete without cracks,there is minor old chip and wear on duck beak tip,small natural soil spots scattered across glaze surface,cobalt pigment shows natural bleeding and iron specks,the unglazed base bears uneven old wear marks and earth‑encrusted patina,the inner cavity retains old stains from long‑term usage,no glue repairs or restorations.This piece is from a private Dallas,Texas collection,purchased by local collector from a London antique gallery in the 1960s,passed down within the family for generations,displayed in private residence,rarely exhibited and has never appeared at public auction. Description：This 15th‑century Ming Yongle blue‑and‑white porcelain duck‑form water dropper is an important imperial‑studio scholar’s object of early Ming dynasty.The whole vessel is modelled after a swimming duck,with elegantly curved neck and slightly turned head,the duck beak is reserved in white,small dot marks the eye for vivid lifelike expression.The entire body is moulded with fine detailed feather textures,feather layers are realistically rendered,covered with dense blue‑and‑white speckles imitating natural duck plumage,wings and tail feature distinct raised feather ridges with clear relief.An oval opening on the back serves as filling mouth for water dropper,interior is covered with grey‑blue glaze.The base is flat and unglazed,porcelain body is off‑white with light grey undertone,original kiln marks are visible under thick accumulated soil patina.It adopts early Ming imported smalt cobalt pigment,delivering rich vibrant blue tone with natural bleeding effect,glaze is thick,smooth and lustrous with subtle bluish‑white undertone.Bionic porcelain like this carries extreme firing difficulty,sculptural form,underglaze painting and kiln shrinkage all need precise control.Duck‑shaped water droppers are extremely scarce surviving examples,it combines scholar‑studio practical function,three‑dimensional sculpture and blue‑and‑white decoration,standing as a representative bionic porcelain treasure of Yong‑Xuande period.

图片