Description
A RARE ‘SWEET WHITE’ GLAZED ANHUA-DECORATED ‘DRAGON’ ZHUANGGUAN
EARLY MING DYNASTY
明早期 甜白釉暗刻龙纹壮罐
ESTIMATE: $30.000 – $50.000
Description
This exceptionally rare and elegantly potted jar, known as a zhuangguan (strong jar), is a superlative example of the “sweet white” (tianbai) glaze developed during the early Ming dynasty. Standing at 30 cm in height, the vessel is characterized by its stout cylindrical body, short neck, and recessed base. The exterior is covered in a thick, luscious white glaze with a soft, jade-like luster, which is characteristic of the finest imperial wares.
Underneath the translucent glaze, the jar is delicately decorated in anhua (secret decoration) with a powerful dragon amidst swirling clouds and auspicious motifs. The carving is subtle yet dynamic, revealing itself only when viewed in a certain light. The shoulders and foot are further accented with bands of stylized ruyi-heads and floral lappets, executed with the precision and grace associated with early 15th-century craftsmanship.
Dimensions
• Height: 30 cm (11.8 in)
CONDITION REPORT
The jar is in overall very good and stable condition. The tianbai glaze is remarkably well-preserved, retaining its original depth and “mutton-fat” texture. Consistent with its age and firing process, several small iron spots (pinpricks) and minor kiln inclusions are visible on the exterior and interior surfaces. There are no structural cracks or major restorations. The piece is accompanied by a custom-carved wooden stand that enhances its dignified silhouette.
Provenance
• From a Prominent Canadian Antique Dealer
明早期 甜白釉暗刻龙纹壮罐
描述
此件壮罐器形宏伟，比例协调，是明代早期“甜白釉”工艺的典型代表。整器高30厘米，呈直筒状，丰肩、短颈、撇口。通体施甜白釉，釉色莹润如脂，展现出如白玉般温润的质感，极具早期御窑之风范。
罐身外壁应用“暗刻”工艺，在肥厚莹透的釉层下，隐约可见云龙纹穿行于云海之中，神态威严。这种“暗花”装饰手法含蓄而高雅，需在特定光线下方能显其神韵。罐的肩部与足部亦暗刻有精美的如意云头纹与瓣纹，构图严谨，体现了明早期极高的艺术成就。此罐配有精美木座，更显端庄大气。
技术规格
• 高度：30 厘米
品相报告
整器品相良好。甜白釉釉面润泽，保留了原有的厚重感与脂玉般的质感。器身及内壁可见少量自然形成的铁星点（针孔）及微小窑渣，均为早期窑炉烧制环境所致的自然特征。罐身结构稳固，无裂纹或重大修补痕迹。
来源
• 来自加拿大著名古董商
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