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 : Jin Dynasty (266 - 420 AD)
Type : Octagonal Vase
Medium : Yue celadon(Stoneware)
Size : 27.8cm(Height), 5cm(Mouth Diameter)
Provenance : The piece was acquired in Hong Kong in the year 1999.
Condition : Excellent
Reference :
1) Sotheby's Hongkong 02 June 2016 - Chinese Art Lot 601
(Price : 1,062,500 HKD / Type : Closely related)
https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2016/chinese-art-hk0649/lot.601.html
2) Christies Hongkong 30 May 2023 - Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art Lot 3318
(Price : 189,000 HKD / Type : Related)
https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6427808
3) Sotheby's London 16 May 2018 - Important Chinese Art Lot 68
(Price: 50,000 GBP / Type : Related)
https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2018/important-chinese-art-l18210/lot.68.html
* 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 (25-220 AD) 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 to be imported in large quantities to the Middle East and Africa, significantly influencing the development of ceramics in those regions. The production of Yue ware continued to evolve, and during the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD), it became more refined with more complex shapes and decorations. By the time of the Song dynasty (960-1279 AD), it had greatly influenced other kiln traditions, leading to the development of the classic longquan celadon, which became one of China’s most famous ceramic products.
Yue celadon traditionally embodies elements of auspiciousness and good fortune in Chinese culture. The jade-like celadon glaze is often associated with longevity and health. Various motifs and shapes inscribed on the pottery frequently symbolize luck and prosperity. For example, lotus patterns may represent purity and immortality, while animal figures like the lion symbolizes power, courage, and strength. Lions are considered protectors that ward off evil spirits and bring forth good luck. Furthermore, Yue celadon wares were commonly used as tomb offerings in ancient China, believed to bring fortune and well-being to the deceased in the afterlife.
