Rare Yue Celadon-Glazed Vessel, Jin dynasty (265-420)

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. For a similar example see Regina Krahl, Yueguetang, A Collection of Chinese Ceramics in Berlin, Berlin, 2000, p. 68, no. 46 where the author cites another similar example excavated from a tomb at Fenghuangshan, Shaoxing, Zhejiamg province and dated to 313 AD. A very similar vessel from the Zhejiang Provincial Museum was exhibited in Greenwares from Zhejiang, Hong Kong, 1993, cat. no.18. Other illustrated examples in museum collections include The Nanjing Museum, Celadons of the Six Dynasties from Jiangxu, Beijing, pl. 50; the Shanghai Museum, Complete Series on Chinese Art: Arts and Crafts Section: 1. Ceramics, vol. 1, Shanghai, 1988, pl. 193; The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Suzanne G. Valenstein, A Handbook of Chinese Ceramics, New York, 1989, p. 52, no. 43. Period : Western Jin Dynasty (266 - 316 AD) Type : Figural vessel Medium : Yue celadon(Stoneware) Diameter : 19cm Provenance : The piece was acquired in Hong Kong in the year 1999. 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 16 May 2018 - Important Chinese Art Lot 68 (Price : 50,000 GBP / Type : Closely related) * Yue Celaodn 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...

* Set item(Two statues) The statue on the left seems to be a mythical beast standing in a poised and alert stance, with its mouth open as if roaring or breathing fire. Its body is covered in detailed carvings that resemble scales and feathers, indicative of the high level of craftsmanship during the Jin Dynasty. The creature’s presence is both regal and intimidating, suggesting it might have been believed to possess protective properties. The statue on the right presents a more stoic and solid stance, with a broad chest and a upright head. Its facial expression is stern, with deep-carved eyes and an open mouth that reveals its teeth, adding to its majestic and formidable appearance. The mane and other body features are intricately detailed, suggesting a high level of artistic skill in its creation. Period : Western Jin Dynasty (266 - 316 AD) Type : Haitai Statue Medium : Yue celadon...

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...

Chicken-head ewers are among the most distinct and emblematic pottery pieces from the dynamic yet innovative era spanning from the Han (206 BC - AD 220) to the Tang (618~907) dynasti...

Finely potted with incurved facetted sides divided by raised ribs and set with two short lugs to the shoulder, the body rising to a short octagonal neck, the domed cover of conforming section, surrounded by an upturned rim and surmounted by a bud finial, applied overall with a celadon glaze of the period. A related vase of this rare and charming form, in the Zhenjiang Museum, Zhenjiang, is illustrated in the Complete Collection of Chinese Ceramics. Song, vol. 8, Shanghai, 1999, pl. 52. Vases of related octagonal shape were produced at the Ding kilns, in Hebei province, and the qingbai kilns in Jiangxi province; see a Ding vase in the Palace Museum, Beijing, illustrated in Selection of Ding Ware. The Palace Museum’s Collection and Archaeological Excavation, Beijing, 2002, pl. 37; and a qingbai example, from the Meiyintang collection, illustrated in Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics from the Meiyintang Collection, vol. 3 (II), London, 2006, pl. 1590; and another carved with a floral scroll, included in the exhibition Song Ceramics from the Kwan Collection, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong, 1994, cat. no. 105. Period : Western Jin Dynasty (266 - 316 AD) Type : Octagonal Vase Medium : Yue celadon...

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