A ‘LONGQUAN’ CELADON ZHADOU SONG DYNASTY

the bulbous body rising from a slightly tapered foot to a wide neck flaring at the rim, covered overall in an attractive pale sea-green glaze stopping at the footring revealing the buff-coloured body

The censer is in good condition with the exception of some minor glaze firing imperfections, including, a burst bubble on the rim, three hairline glaze lines to the exterior, glaze pulls around the foot and a tiny blister to the lower body. It should be noted that the glaze is a slightly warmer celadon tone than the catalogue illustration would suggest.
"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."

Conventionally known as zhadou (leys jar) or xianglu(censer), early Longquan celadon wares of this form are unusual. The understated form, with the gentle swell of the body and broad flared neck, is complemented by the greenish-blue hues of the celadon glaze to result in a harmonious and well-balanced piece.

 

A closely related vessel, in the Zhejiang Provincial Museum, is illustrated in Zhongguo longquan qingci [Longquan Celadon of China], Hangzhou, 1998, pl. 70; one discovered among a group of Song ceramics excavated at Lueyang, Shaanxi Province, is published in Wenwu, 1976, no. 11, pl. 6, fig. 5; another is illustrated in Chinese Ceramics in the Idemitsu Collection, Tokyo, 1987, pl. 474; a fourth example, from the collection of Edward T. Chow, was sold in these rooms, 16^th December 1980, lot 298; and another, of slightly larger size, was sold in our New York rooms, 19^th and 20^th March 2013, lot 34.