SONG DYNASTY (960-1279)

Details

A FINE YUE MOULDED AND CARVED ‘PEONY’ BOX AND COVER
SONG DYNASTY (960-1279)
The slightly domed cover is well carved in relief with a peony sprig in the central medallion, all within a triple-line border and further encircled by short incised cloud along the edge of the cover. The veining of the petals lightly incised with combed lines and the box is supported on a splayed foot. Both the box and cover, with the exception of the rims, are covered inside and out with a thin greenish-olive glaze that continues onto the base which shows traces of linear spur marks.
4 7/8 in. (12.4 cm.) diam. Japanese paulownia wood box

Provenance

A Japanese private collection, acquired in the 1980s or before

Sale room notice

Please note that the provenance of this lot should read:
A Japanese private collection, acquired in the 1980s or before

此拍品來源應為:
日本私人收藏，入藏於1980年代或以前

Brought to you by

Stephenie Tsoi

stsoi@christies.com +852 2978 9955

Lot Essay

Yue boxes of this form, with a slightly domed cover, flared foot, and angled edges, was undoubtedly inspired by Sassanian silver wares in the Tang dynasty. Ceramic examples first appeared in the Tang dynasty and gained popularity during the Song period. The box may well have been intended to hold ladies’ cosmetics.

Compare a similar box in the collection of the Honolulu Academy of Arts, illustrated by W. Watson, Tang and Liao Ceramics, New York, 1984, p. 148, no. 127, carved with four peony blooms, whereas the present box has only one blossom alternating with two large leaves. In both cases the blossoms are borne on stylised leafy stems.

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