Pomegranate Shaped Copper Red Glazed Vase, Yuan-Ming Period

This vase features a traditional vase coated with a clear and rich green celadon glaze. A fine network of crazing covers the surface. The neck is adorned with raised vine motifs, whi...

The circular domed cover moulded with a brown glaze that falls short of the straight foot. The pattern on the left features a central circular design with simple shapes and lines car...

Qing Dynasty, Guangxu mark and of the period. The vase features a classic shape with a long, smooth body and a narrow opening. It is coated with a glossy, crimson glaze, often referr...

Two finely hollow-moulded terracotta statuettes from ancient China, dating to the Ming Dynasty. The figure is depicted standing, dressed in long, flowing robes, painted in vibrant blue or green and deep amber yellow. The hair is styled into an elaborate top-knot, painted in a muted brown. Areas left unpainted would have been 'cold-painted' after firing, contrasting with the vivid fired blue or green and amber pigments. The figure is shown with the left hand raised to the chest, as if holding something, possibly an offering or incense. Figurines like this were placed in tombs to guide the deceased on their journey to the afterlife. The Ming Dynasty was known for its exceptional artistic achievements, partly due to its economic prosperity. Since the Han Dynasty, it was customary to bury terracotta miniatures of everyday objects with the deceased. These items, known as mingqi, or "spirit utensils" and "vessels for ghosts," were believed to help and assist the deceased in the afterlife. Mingqi were crafted in the form of cooking utensils, miniature replicas of houses, temples, furniture, and other items. Anthropomorphic and zoomorphic terracotta figures were also popular, designed to assist, entertain, and recreate the living world for the deceased. Period: Ming Dynasty Medium: Green/blue-glazed Pottery Type: Figure Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong Reference : 1) Ancient & Oriental - Terracotta Tomb Attendants (Type : Highly related) 2) La Maison De La Petite Sara S.r.l. - Archaeology section - A Black glazed Terracotta Statuette, Servant with Trumpet, Ming Dynasty (Price realised : 700 GBP / Type : Highly related) * Ming Dynasty Glazed Pottery Figures Ming Dynasty glazed pottery figures are renowned for their bold color palette, intricate detailing, and lifelike forms, distinguishing them from earlier traditions. These figures, which depict officials, warriors, animals, and mythical creatures, are characterized by high-gloss lead-based glazes in green, amber, ochre, and sancai (three-color) combinations. The thickly applied glaze pools in recesses, creating depth and enhancing sculptural details. With dynamic postures, expressive facial features, and meticulously rendered drapery, these figures reflect the period’s advancement in ceramic craftsmanship, offering a greater sense of movement and realism compared to the rigid and stylized forms of earlier dynasties. A defining characteristic of Ming glazed pottery is its elaborate surface detailing, often achieved through raised relief elements and contrasting glazes. Equestrian figures, for example, feature carefully sculpted saddles, harnesses, and decorative embellishments, while human figures are adorned with intricate robes and headdresses. The large scale of these tomb figures, often more imposing than those from previous periods, underscores the increasing importance of funerary art during the Ming era. Unlike later Qing Dynasty figures...

A petite Chinese Ming Dynasty glazed pedestal from the 15th or 16th century with polychrome finish. Crafted in China during the prestigious Ming Dynasty, this petite pedestal table...

Rare Blue and Red-Copper Dish Yuan Dynasty Painted to the interior with a peacock in a lively garden and seal mark, repeated on exterior. Height: 2.5 in, Width: 16.5 in, Base Width: 10.25 in During the Yuan dynasty (1271-1368), blue and white porcelain developed in Jingdezhen of Jiangxi province became increasingly popular, earning Jingdezhen the recognition of China’s ceramic metropolis. The cobalt ore used in the blue pigment for Yuan dynasty blue-and-white wares were originally imported from Persia. While a formative influence in Yuan blue...

A Pair of Chinese Ming Period Patinated Bronze Enameled Elephant Vases/Censors. The elephant has a Buddhistic caparisoned dress with pearl harness, tassels, and high-relief dragon p...

An elegant Chinese Ming dynasty pottery figurine depicting a horse in a standing pose with polychrome finish (aubergine, light brown and g...