.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
The form of the present ewer is derived from Persian metalwork, but the proportions reflect a more Chinese sense of harmony: the heavier pear-shape of the body echoes the curves of the elegant handle and spout, while the flared rim provides a complementary terminal to the overall shape.
The peony scroll decoration can be compared to that on contemporary Ming blue and white wares. Indeed, motifs of flowers and other plants appear to be particularly popular on vessels of this form, reflecting a great appreciation for the natural world. Four related ewers, each with different carved decoration of flowers, plantain, prunus and peaches respectively, are illustrated in Green-Longquan Celadon of the Ming Dynasty, Taipei, 2009, pp. 122-29, nos. 60-63.
Further examples of ewers include the one illustrated in Celadons from Longquan Kilns, Taipei, 1998, p. 266, no. 251, and another example of similar form, but carved with peonies, in the Idemitsu Museum of Arts and illustrated in The Ceramics of the Yuan-Ming Dynasties, Tokyo, 1977, no. 25. Two further gilt-silver-mounted ewers with carved designs are illustrated by R. Krahl and J. Ayers, Chinese Ceramics in the Topkapi Saray Museum Istanbul, Vol. 1, Yuan and Ming Dynasty Celadon Wares, London, 1986, nos. 225 and 226.
The peony scroll decoration can be compared to that on contemporary Ming blue and white wares. Indeed, motifs of flowers and other plants appear to be particularly popular on vessels of this form, reflecting a great appreciation for the natural world. Four related ewers, each with different carved decoration of flowers, plantain, prunus and peaches respectively, are illustrated in Green-Longquan Celadon of the Ming Dynasty, Taipei, 2009, pp. 122-29, nos. 60-63.
Further examples of ewers include the one illustrated in Celadons from Longquan Kilns, Taipei, 1998, p. 266, no. 251, and another example of similar form, but carved with peonies, in the Idemitsu Museum of Arts and illustrated in The Ceramics of the Yuan-Ming Dynasties, Tokyo, 1977, no. 25. Two further gilt-silver-mounted ewers with carved designs are illustrated by R. Krahl and J. Ayers, Chinese Ceramics in the Topkapi Saray Museum Istanbul, Vol. 1, Yuan and Ming Dynasty Celadon Wares, London, 1986, nos. 225 and 226.