Description:
Origin: Shaanxi Province ,China,Age/Period: ca. late 11th/early 12th century, Jin-Yuan Period,
Kiln: Yaozhou Yao, Huangbao, Yaozhou County,
Dimensions: 6-1/2" tall, 4-1/4" widest;
A fine and rare example of a Yaozhou Yao Ewer, ca. late 11th/early 12th century, Jin-Yuan Period. The Yaozhou kilns were established in the Tang dynasty and flourished during the Song and continued through the Jin-Yuan periods. Most wares were celadon glazes, while some had monochrome or 3-color glazes as well as carved, molded/impressed designs. Most Yaozhou ware were made for provincial consumption and were widely distributed throughout China. The forms, carvings were more rustic, shallow and less elaborate. During the decline of late Jin, the Yaozhou kilns failed to achieve the desired green glaze. Sometimes the glaze had a brownish or bluish quality due to loss of control of the oxygen reducing atmosphere during firing.
The Yaozhou example most likely dates to this period, late Jin/early Yuan period. The formed is a stylized, molded double gourd, wine ewer. This ewer has a bluish-green or bluish-celadon glaze (over white ground) with brown streaks (mouth rim). The form is rustic and well potted with applied and carved designs. From the top downward, the mouth rim is flaring and and tapers on a sturdy ringed neck which has 4 looped straps mounted above lion head masks that rest on the shoulder. Beneath that is a ridge with sort of circumventing, wavy ledge or lip. We believe this to be a stylized lotus leaf. There is a substantial amount of white calcification present. The bottom section has a scalloped middle with applied "s" shaped buttresses. Below that are vertically carved lines.
The overall glaze is a translucent, thick, dark blue-green (over a white ground )with dark brown mottling. The glaze has fine overall crackling. The rich glaze stops above the unglazed foot and foot rim revealing the tan brown clay body and firing orange color.
Condition Consensus: Excellent Condition, museum quality, without any injury or repair.
b9
My
Basket
