Lot 068 A MARBLED ‘LION-MASK’ INCENSE BURNER TANG DYNASTY 唐 绞胎双狮耳簋式炉

Description

A MARBLED ‘LION-MASK’ INCENSE BURNER
TANG DYNASTY
唐 绞胎双狮耳簋式炉
ESTIMATE: $2,000 – $4,000
Description
This rare marbled clay (jiaotai) incense burner features a compressed globular body with a wide, flared rim and a short, slightly tapered foot. The vessel is uniquely adorned with two molded lion-mask handles applied to the shoulders. The body is expertly crafted using the marbling technique, where contrasting shades of light and dark clays are kneaded together to create a rhythmic, wave-like feathered pattern that permeates the entire wall of the vessel.
The interior is left relatively plain, showing the natural integration of the clays, while the exterior is covered in a transparent glaze that highlights the intricate marbling. This technique, which reached a peak of sophistication during the Tang Dynasty, was highly prized for its “feather-pattern” (yumaowen) aesthetic, often intended to imitate precious natural materials like agate or rhinoceros horn. The combination of the complex jiaotai body with the bold, sculptural lion-masks makes this a distinguished example of high-Tang ceramic artistry.
Dimensions
• Diameter: 12.0 cm (4.7 in)
• Height: 5.5 cm (2.2 in)
CONDITION REPORT
The incense burner is in good overall condition. The marbled patterns remain distinct and vibrant. The surface shows characteristic age-related wear, including minor glaze flaking and expected surface abrasions. The handles are intact with crisp molding. No major cracks or restorations were detected under standard examination.
• Provenance: From a Private Canadian Collection
唐 绞胎双狮耳簋式炉
此炉呈簋式，撇口，束颈，鼓腹，圈足。肩部对称贴饰双狮首耳，造型生动。整器采用绞胎工艺制成，即利用白、褐两种不同色泽的瓷土揉和捏制，形成如波浪般的羽毛纹理。这种纹样由里及外，自然贯通，展现了唐代绞胎工艺的高超水平。
器身满施透明釉，釉质晶莹，极大地增强了纹饰的层次感与动感。绞胎瓷器在唐代被视为名贵品种，常以模仿玛瑙或犀角纹理为美，是当时陶瓷工艺创新的代表。此炉将复杂的绞胎纹理与挺拔的狮首造型完美结合，古朴雅致，极具收藏价值。
品相报告：
整器品相良好。绞胎纹理清晰自然，色彩对比鲜明。表面见有随年代产生的自然磨损、少量缩釉点及微小的釉面剥落。狮首耳保存完好，铸模清晰。在常规检查下，未见明显裂纹或重大修复痕迹。
技术规格：
• 直径： 12.0 厘米
• 高度： 5.5厘米
来源：
• 加拿大私人收藏