Lot 072 A DEHUA WHITE-GLAZED ‘CRAB AND LOTUS LEAF’ WATER DROPPER LATE MING / EARLY QING DYNASTY 明末清初 德化窑白釉“一甲一名”荷叶螃蟹砚滴

Description

A DEHUA WHITE-GLAZED ‘CRAB AND LOTUS LEAF’ WATER DROPPER
LATE MING / EARLY QING DYNASTY
明末清初 德化窑白釉“一甲一名”荷叶螃蟹砚滴
ESTIMATE: $6000~$8000
Description
This charming scholar’s object is a masterpiece of naturalistic modeling, featuring a lively crab resting upon a large, upturned lotus leaf. The crab is rendered with its pincers tucked forward and its legs spread across the undulating surface of the leaf. A small, funnel-like aperture is situated on the crab’s back to allow for filling, while a slender, stem-like spout emerges from the edge of the lotus leaf for controlled pouring.
The piece is covered in a lustrous, creamy white glaze characteristic of the Dehua kilns (Blanc de Chine), which pools to a warm ivory tint. The underside reveals the delicate veining of the lotus leaf and an unglazed, slightly grainy foot rim. The motif of a crab on a lotus leaf is a classic pun for “First Place in the Imperial Examinations” (yijia yiming), making this an auspicious and highly functional addition to a scholar’s desk. It is accompanied by a custom-fitted carved wooden stand.
Dimensions
• Length: 14.6 cm,5.75in
• Width: 9 cm, 3.5 in
• Height: 5cm,2 in
CONDITION REPORT
The water dropper is in very good condition. The glaze retains its original brilliance with minor surface wear consistent with age. There are a few tiny firing pinpricks and minor kiln grit to the base. No cracks, chips, or restorations were detected under examination.
• Provenance: From a Distinguished Canadian Private Collection
明末清初 德化窑白釉“一甲一名”荷叶螃蟹砚滴
此砚滴造型别致，生动自然，表现了一只螃蟹盘踞于翻卷的荷叶之上。螃蟹体态丰腴，双螯前举，八足舒展，形神兼备。螃蟹背部开有一漏斗状圆孔以供注水，荷叶边缘伸出一细管状短流，设计精巧。
全器施德化窑特有的白釉（中国白），釉质莹润，色泽白中闪牙黄，温润如脂。底部可见荷叶筋脉纹理，圈足露胎，胎质坚实。螃蟹寓意“甲”，整体取“一甲一名”之吉意，是古代文人书斋中寄托科举及第愿望的雅玩精品。附带量身定制的木雕底座。
品相报告：
整器品相良好。釉面光泽莹润，仅见少量与年代相符的轻微传世磨损。底部有少量自然存在的针孔及窑灰。经常规检查，未见裂纹、磕损或修复痕迹。
技术规格：
• 长度： 14.6 厘米,5.75英寸
• 宽度： 9厘米，3.5英寸
• 高度： 5厘米,2英寸
来源：
• 加拿大私人收藏