Sui‑Early Tang Proto‑Celadon Pierced Borlu Censer

拍品描述

Dimensions：Height 25 cm (9‑7/8 in), Maximum Diameter 16 cm (6‑5/16 in); Sui to Early Tang DynastyCondition & Provenance：This complete multi‑component censer comes fully assembled with original matching pierced lid, lotus‑form burner bowl, ribbed stem, drip tray and flaring pedestal base, every component belongs to the same original set without alien replacement pieces;the whole glaze surface is covered with dense natural age‑induced crackle across lid, burner chamber, stem and tray, showing uneven muted olive‑celadon tone with patches of faded yellowish‑green discoloration from long‑term underground burial, minor scattered kiln specks and tiny firing pinholes can be spotted within glaze, raw unglazed clay sections including interior of burner bowl, lid inner rim and pedestal foot expose coarse sandy off‑white pottery body bearing genuine earthen burial deposits and subtle surface abrasions accumulated over centuries;there are no heavy penetrating cracks, no large chips, no modern fill or over‑painting, only faint minor rim nicks consistent with ancient usage wear, all moulded appliqué rosette ornaments remain firmly attached with very few tiny edge frits, the separate lid fits snugly onto the burner shoulder following original firing tolerance, underside of drip tray retains authentic ancient kiln‑firing marks and uneven glaze flow, earthy patina settles into every crack and crevice of the ceramic without any sign of artificial chemical distressing.This spectacular full‑form borlu censer derives from a distinguished private East‑Asian ceramic collection located in Seattle, Washington;the prior collector obtained this museum‑worthy piece from a well‑established London ancient‑art dealer back in early 1990s, it has safely stayed within the same private family collection ever since passing down through family generations, and this represents its absolute first appearance on any public auction platform.Description：Crafted in high‑fired proto‑celadon pottery, this multi‑part stemmed incense burner perfectly reflects the sophisticated religious and domestic incense‑burning custom popular during Sui and early Tang era, the entire instrument is built by stacking five functional sections, the domed pierced lid features multiple round ventilation holes for smoke escape, decorated with layered concentric moulded bands and raised appliqué rosette medallions all over its outer surface, finished with a neat pointed finial on top;the main burner bowl is shaped in segmented lotus‑petal form, further adorned with evenly spaced raised rosette appliqués around its exterior wall, its inner cavity is unglazed to hold burning incense material;the tall central stem is carved with repeated horizontal ribbed rings adding rich textural detail, linking the lotus bowl to a wide circular drip‑catching tray which prevents hot incense ash from spilling outward;below the tray sits a flaring hollow unglazed pedestal foot providing stable support for the whole tall structure.The glaze renders soft olive‑green proto‑celadon hue, running naturally and stopping short on pedestal base to expose the porous sandy ceramic body, every moulded appliqué, incision and perforation shows sharp hand‑crafted details characteristic of Sui‑Tang ceramic workshop production, blending Buddhist‑inspired lotus and floral decorative vocabulary with practical incense‑burning function, it serves as a terrific intact surviving example illustrating the aesthetic taste, firing technology and spiritual ritual life of medieval Sui‑Early Tang society.

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