Lot 152
  • 152

A RARE `YAOZHOU' CARVED CELADON BOWL NORTHERN SONG DYNASTY

Estimate
60,000 - 80,000 GBP
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Description

  • Ceramic
of gently swelling rounded form, the interior carved and combed to the centre with a foliate peony design loosely divided into six sections, further accentuated by a notched everted rim, the underside carved with peony scrolls, all covered in a rich olive-green glaze

Provenance

Toguri Museum of Art, Tokyo.
Sotheby's London, 9th June 2004, lot 49.
Collection of Francisco Capelo.

 

Literature

Francisco Capelo et. al., Forms of Pleasure. Chinese Ceramics from Burial to Daily Life, London, 2009, pl. 37.

Condition

This fine bowl is in good condition, but there is some wear and minor scratches to the interior.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

Although the form and design elements of this piece are well known from the repertoire of 'Yaozhou' celadons, the motif found on this exquisitely carved vessel remains rare. A closely related shallow bowl excavated from the 'Yaozhou' type site is illustrated in a line drawing in Songdai Yaozhou yaozhi/The Yaozhou Kiln Site of the Song Period, Beijing, 1998, p. 204, fig. 106; 12 and pl. 50, fig. 6.

The Song wares from Huangbaozhen, Tongchuan county in Shaanxi province, the area formerly known as 'Yaozhou', are characterized by deep olive-green glazes and carved decoration as seen on the present vessel. Each vessel is distinct since the glaze has a tendency to pool to a deeper tone in the recessed areas. The type site has produced a vast variety of shapes and designs, although the majority are utilitarian pieces such as bowls, dishes and smaller upright forms.

For examples of 'Yaozhou' bowls decorated with peony spray see one included in the exhibition Iron in the Fire, Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, 1988, cat. no. 21; and another published in Masterpieces of Yaozhou Ware, Osaka, 1997, p. 50, no. 64. Compare also a bowl sold in our Hong Kong rooms, 21st May 1984, lot 38; and another sold in these rooms, 10th December 1985, lot 166.