A Rare 'Yue' Celadon Glazed Octagonal Vase, Western Jin Dynasty (266 - 316 AD)

A Yue celadon vessel from the Jin Dynasty period, notable for its characteristic greenish-glazed pottery which was prominent during this time. The vessel features a globular body wit...

This vessel is well-modeled as a recumbent winged lion with detailed decorative elements. It features a grimacing face with large protruberant eyes under heavy brows and a gaping mouth, which forms a large aperture. The piece has a tail that arches to form a loop handle, and the wings are incised on the sides. The whole piece is finished with a thin olive-green glaze. This kind of figural vessel dates back to at least the Western Han dynasty, with the design fully developed in the Yue kilns of Zhejiang province during the 3rd and 4th centuries. Such zoomorphic forms became popular among the literati and were transformed into various functional objects like wine ewers and water pots. There is a pair, and you can check it in the uploaded list. If you would like to purchase two in pairs, please leave a message. Period : Western Jin Dynasty (266 - 316 AD) Type : Figural vessel Medium : Yue celadon(Stoneware) Provenance : The piece was acquired in Hong Kong in late 1990s. Reference : 1) Sotheby's New York 17 March 2015 - Chinese Art Through The Eye Of Sakamoto Gorō – Ceramics Lot 33 (Price Range : 15,000 USD-20,000 USD / Type : Highly related) 2) Sotheby's London 17 May 2023 - A Journey Through China's History. The Dr Wou Kiuan Collection Online. Part I - Lot 30 (Price realised : 13,970 GBP / Type : Closely related) 3) Ethnological Museum, Berlin, Germany - Pouring vessel in animal shape, China, Yue kilns, Zhejiang province, late Western or early Eastern Jin dynasty, 4th century 4) Sotheby's London 16 May 2018 - Important Chinese Art Lot 68 (Price realised : 50,000 GBP / Type : Closely related) 5) The MET - Accession Number: 1985.207 - Vessel in the Shape of a Tiger (Huzi) (Type : Closely related) * Yue Celadon Yue celadon, also known as Yue ware, is a type of Chinese pottery with a celadon glaze, originating from the eastern Han dynasty in the Zhejiang province. The name 'Yue' comes from the Yue kilns which were among the earliest to develop the celadon technique. Yue ware is known for its jade-like glaze, which can range in color from bluish-green to olive green. Yue celadon was highly regarded during its time and was the first Chinese ware...

This vase is an exceptionally rare piece and likely the only known example of a Cong-shaped vase from the Jin Dynasty. While some experts may attribute this work to the Song Dynasty or later periods based on its form, it is, in fact, a much earlier creation from the 3rd to 4th century CE during the Jin Dynasty. It was imported from Hong Kong in the late 1990s and was acquired by our gallery as part of a collection that included other Jin Dynasty Yue celadon pieces. The vase features a cylindrical form with a square (方形) design and geometric incised patterns. While these design elements became more refined and sophisticated during the Song Dynasty (960~1279), their origins trace back much earlier, as evidenced by Cong-shaped jade artifacts dating as far back as 2,500 B.C.E. Examples of these ancient jade Congs...

The Boshan incense burner is particularly notable among Han dynasty incense burners for its unique shape. Designed to resemble a mountain or even a mythical mountain, it is characterized by its pointed peaks that rise upwards. These peaks often function as vents for the smoke, creating an effect reminiscent of a volcanic eruption. The body of the incense burner is typically round, with multiple small peaks surrounding a central, larger peak. The material used is mainly ceramic, although there are instances where they were made of bronze. It is presumed that this incense burner was used for religious or ceremonial purposes during its time. The colors of these burners are usually in shades of pale green or greyish brown, with the application of glaze to achieve a variety of colors on occasion. Such incense burners are often found in tombs or ritual sites, and their purpose was to burn incense for purification of space or to produce pleasant aromas. The Boshan incense burner also represents a significant cultural heritage, showcasing the craftsmanship and artistic values of the period. Today, it is considered a quintessential example of ancient Chinese art. Period : Han-Jin Dynasty Type : Incense Burner Medium : Yue celadon...

A massive pottery pair of horses standing on all fours and striding with its right hoof forward. Extended snout ends in parted lips showing teeth beneath in a braying attitude. Low relief bridle on face and well defined eyes. Raised mane down back of the neck A fantastic example of the Wei dynasty horses. Large, exquisite walking Ferghana horses with great attention paid to anatomical detail were the choice of the wealthy. The horse was second only in importance to the dragon. It was supposed to possess magical powers which the early Chinese were eager to explore. It would be the horse that would carry the deceased to the next life and it would be the amount of horses that an individual owned that would guarantee his ongoing status in the hereafter. Thermoluminescence certificate from Madrid Labs included. In southern China, people turned to Daoism, and mingqi, as well as above-ground sculptures, became ever more infused with animal iconography and energized with dynamic lines. The north of China was eventually united by nomadic Tuoba invaders who founded the Northern Wei dynasty...

China an ancient limestone figure of an Entertainer replete with hands holding tambourines and a top a drum, -for the afterlife- , Han dynasty 206 BC...

Impressive terracotta warrior representing a banner bearer gripping a wooden staff with his hands (dematerialized through the ages); his gaze is ser...

This is a fine, heavily patinated example of a Han hu wine storage vessel, buried for the afterlife. The compressed globular body narrows to a slender waisted neck, covered with a da...