- 102
A RARE 'CIZHOU'-TYPE CARVED 'PEONY' PILLOW NORTHERN SONG DYNASTY
Estimate
60,000 - 80,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- ceramics
deftly carved through the canted, cloud-shaped top to depict a large peony bloom borne on an undulating stem issuing curled leaves in relief, with finely combed details, all within a single line border beneath an ivory-white glaze, the underside of the rim and the sides covered with a dark russet-brown glaze stopping unevenly above the flat base, which is partially glazed, the back pierced with a triple-gourd form air hole
Condition
An approx. 1 x 2.5-cm section at the tip of the pillow has been off and reattached. There is in-painting to an approx. 4.5 x 1.5-cm section at one corner. The surface has expected wear and there is a kiln adhesion near the aperture.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
The dating of this lot is consistent with the result of a termoluminescence test, C-Link Research & Development Ltd., 6601CH69.
This pillow is notable for the bold and confident carved strokes of the design of a blooming peony stem surrounded by luxurious curling leaves. Rendered in slight relief, the design is subtly accentuated by the darker pools of the glaze while the restrained use of combed lines enhances the rhythmic quality of the piece.
Compare a Cizhou-type pillow of related ruyi-form and carved with a peony stem, but with a punched ground, from the collection of Robert H. Ellsworth, sold at Christie’s New York, 17th-18th September 2015, lot 2337.
Cizhou pillows of this type include one with a very similar design carved through white slip, included in the exhibition 100 Ceramic Pillows: Formerly the Hayashibara Museum Collection, T. Edo Inouye & Son Oriental Art, Tokyo, 2012, cat. no. 99; and a cream-glazed example carved with a leafy floral bloom against a punched ground, from the collection of David and Nayda Utterberg, sold in these rooms, 16th March 2016, lot 213.
This pillow is notable for the bold and confident carved strokes of the design of a blooming peony stem surrounded by luxurious curling leaves. Rendered in slight relief, the design is subtly accentuated by the darker pools of the glaze while the restrained use of combed lines enhances the rhythmic quality of the piece.
Compare a Cizhou-type pillow of related ruyi-form and carved with a peony stem, but with a punched ground, from the collection of Robert H. Ellsworth, sold at Christie’s New York, 17th-18th September 2015, lot 2337.
Cizhou pillows of this type include one with a very similar design carved through white slip, included in the exhibition 100 Ceramic Pillows: Formerly the Hayashibara Museum Collection, T. Edo Inouye & Son Oriental Art, Tokyo, 2012, cat. no. 99; and a cream-glazed example carved with a leafy floral bloom against a punched ground, from the collection of David and Nayda Utterberg, sold in these rooms, 16th March 2016, lot 213.