A RARE YUE CELADON CHICKEN-HEAD EWER, JIN-SOUTHERN DYNASTY
A RARE YUE CELADON CHICKEN-HEAD EWER, JIN-SOUTHERN DYNASTY
Couldn't load pickup availability
Chicken-head ewers are a distinctive ceramic form that developed during the Jin dynasty (265–420), originating in the southern Yue kilns of present-day Zhejiang province, and later spreading to other southern and selected northern celadon workshops. Such vessels frequently appear in elite burial contexts, reflecting the auspicious symbolism of the chicken motif, which was associated with warding off evil and conveying protective, benevolent meaning.
Period : Jin-Southern Dynasty (266 - 589 AD)
Type : Ewer
Medium : Yue celadon(Stoneware)
Dimension : 13cm(Height) x 5.5cm(Mouth Diameter)
Provenance : The piece was acquired in Hong Kong in the late 1990s
Condition : Good
Reference :
1) Ashmolean Museum - Accession no.EA1956.286
(Type : Closely related)
http://jameelcentre.ashmolean.org/collection/921/object/11771
2) Sotheby's Hongkong 27 November 2020 - CHINA / 5000 YEARS 博古五千 - Lot 384
(Price Range : 260,000HKD-360,000HKD / Type : Closely related)
https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2020/china-5000-years/a-rare-yue-celadon-chicken-head-ewer-western-jin
* 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.
