Lot 029 A PAIR OF CHINESE BLUE AND WHITE ‘BUDDHIST LIONS’ CRACKLE-GLAZED WATER POTS QING DYNASTY

Description

A PAIR OF CHINESE BLUE AND WHITE ‘BUDDHIST LIONS’ CRACKLE-GLAZED WATER POTS
QING DYNASTY
清代 青花哥釉狮子纹水丞（一对）
MEASUREMENTS
D. 7.8 cm, 3.1 in.; D. 7.9 cm, 3.1 in.
ESTIMATE
USD 800 — 1,200
DESCRIPTION
The pair of water pots is of compressed globular form, each featuring a wide mouth and rounded shoulders, tapering to a flat unglazed base. The exterior is decorated in vibrant underglaze blue with spirited Buddhist lions amidst stylized clouds. The vessels are covered with a dense, stained crackle glaze in imitation of the Ge-ware of the Song dynasty, creating a sophisticated textured effect. The contrast between the brilliant blue cobalt and the mellow, ivory-toned crackle glaze enhances the antique charm of the pieces.
此对水丞敛口，丰肩，扁圆鼓腹，平底无釉，胎体厚重。外壁以青花绘瑞兽狮子纹，狮身姿态雄健，间饰云纹。通体施哥釉（仿宋哥窑），开片细密，呈现“金丝铁线”之韵味。青花发色明快，与沉稳的哥釉底色形成鲜明对比。狮子纹饰生动，寓意吉祥，是文房用具中兼具实用与观赏价值的雅品。
CATALOGUE NOTE
The Buddhist Lion (Rui Shi) is a traditional symbol of protection and power in Chinese art. When depicted in pairs on scholar’s objects like water pots, they represent a harmonious blend of strength and intellectual pursuit. These pots utilize the “Crackle Glaze” technique, a stylistic revival of the famous Ge-ware from the Song Dynasty, which became highly popular during the Qing period for its antique “iron-wire” aesthetic. The combination of underglaze blue painting with a crackled ground requires precise kiln control, reflecting the sophisticated taste of the Qing dynasty’s literati and their appreciation for historical ceramic forms.
狮子纹是传统吉祥纹饰，象征威严与守护。此对水丞采用仿宋哥釉工艺，通体满布开片，古朴雅致。哥釉青花的制作工艺较普通青花更为复杂，需在追求自然开片效果的同时保持青花纹饰的清晰。此类文房小件不仅体现了清代对前朝名窑工艺的追溯与致敬，更反映了当时文人阶层独特的审美情趣。
CONDITION REPORT
• Condition: In overall very good condition. Minor firing flaws and iron spots inherent to the crackle glaze. Slight surface wear and minor kiln grit to the base consistent with age. No visible cracks or restorations.
• 整体品相良好。 见哥釉特有的自然开片及极细微铁质残留，底足有少量窑灰及自然磨损。