MOLDED LONGQUAN CELADON 'FU SHOU' EWER, MING DYNASTY

One side of the vase showcases a panel with the Shou character at its center, symbolizing longevity, while the opposite side displays the Fu character, signifying luck. The neck of the vase is adorned with leaves. There are similar types and decoration but varying in shape, resembling a pear, all from the same era and crafted in celadon, often referred to as 'fu shou' vases.

Period: Yuan-Ming Dynasty (1271-1644)
Region: Longquan, China
Medium: Celadon
Type: Ewer
Dimension : 14 cm(Height) x 4.5cm(Mouth Diameter)
Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong
Reference
1) British Museum - Museum number 1931,1118.5
(Type : Closely related)
https://www.britishmuseum.org/collection/object/A_1931-1118-5

2) Christies NEW YORK 24–25 MAR 2022 - Important Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art - Lot 1105
(Price realised : 9,450 USD / Type : Related)
https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6359405

3) Sotheby's New York 19 March 2024 - Chinese Art - Lot 172
(Price range : 15,000 USD - 20,000 USD / Type : Related)
https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2024/important-chinese-art/a-rare-inscribed-longquan-celadon-glazed-handled

* Ming Dynasty Longquan Celadon

Longquan celadon from the Ming Dynasty typically exhibits a more robust and heavier stoneware body compared to its Song Dynasty predecessors. The Ming era saw an evolution in celadon glaze, achieving a wider spectrum of green hues, from olive to bluish-greens. Ming celadons often had thicker glaze applications, sometimes featuring multiple layers and even multiple firings to attain depth and richness in the glaze.

In contrast, Song Dynasty Longquan celadons are known for their more refined and thinner bodies, with a glaze palette that tends toward more subtle and more uniform green shades. The shapes of Song celadons were usually simpler, emphasizing the glaze's quality and texture.

During the Song period, there was also a greater emphasis on subtle and elegant forms, with less ornate decoration compared to the Ming pieces, which showcased more elaborate decorative motifs, including incised or moulded patterns. Song Dynasty Longquan wares were also highly prized for their thin walls and lightness, reflecting a high level of technical mastery in pottery-making.

Overall, while both dynasties produced celadons of exceptional quality, the Ming Longquan celadons are distinguished by their bolder forms and more varied glaze effects, while the Song Dynasty celadons are celebrated for their simplicity and the pure beauty of their glazes.