Lot 071 A DEHUA WHITE-GLAZED ‘CARP’ PAPERWEIGHT MING DYNASTY 明 德化窑白釉鱼形文镇

Description

A DEHUA WHITE-GLAZED ‘CARP’ PAPERWEIGHT
MING DYNASTY
明 德化窑白釉鱼形文镇
ESTIMATE: $800 – $1,500
Description
This exquisitely modeled paperweight (文镇) is crafted in the form of a lively carp emerging from turbulent waves. The fish is naturalistically rendered with finely incised scales, a prominent dorsal fin, and an expressive face. Its body curves gracefully, conveying a sense of dynamic motion as if leaping from the water—a classic symbol of perseverance and success (lishu tiao longmen).
The piece is covered in a lustrous, creamy white glaze characteristic of the Dehua kilns, exhibiting the warm ivory tone highly prized in “Blanc de Chine” porcelain. The sculptural quality is exceptional, with deep undercutting that creates a complex interplay of light and shadow. The paperweight rests on a custom-carved wooden stand that mimics the shape of the water’s surface.
Dimensions
• Length: 8 cm,3.17in
CONDITION REPORT
The paperweight is in excellent condition. The glaze is exceptionally well-preserved with a brilliant luster. There is an old paper label remnant on one side, which can be safely removed. No chips, cracks, or restorations are visible. The carving remains crisp and detailed.
• Provenance: From a Private Canadian Collection
明 德化窑白釉鱼形文镇
此件德化窑文镇造型生动，雕琢一只跃于水面的鲤鱼。鲤鱼鳞片刻画精细，鱼鳍挺拔，身躯扭动有力，呈现出跃动之姿，寓意“鱼跃龙门”、步步高升。
整器施德化窑标志性的白釉，釉质温润如玉，色泽白中蕴含奶油般的温润感。其雕刻技法精湛，通过细腻的镂空与深浅不一的线条处理，使器物在不同光线下展现出丰富的层次感。底部配有原装木制随形底座。
品相报告：
整器品相极佳。釉面光泽莹润，保存完好。器身一侧见有一处陈旧纸质标签残留，可自行清理。经常规检查，全器无磕碰、裂纹或修复痕迹，雕工依然清晰锐利。
技术规格：
• 长度： 8 厘米，3.17英寸
来源：
• 加拿大私人收藏