Hu-shaped Vase with Tubular Handles (Longquan ware, "Southern celadon")
DateSouthern Song period (1127–1279)
Mediumporcelaneous ware with multi-layered lime-alkali glaze, tinted by traces of iron and titanium
Dimensions24.1 cm (9 1/2 in.)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineStoddard Acquisition Fund
Object number1996.98
DescriptionLongquan ware, Zhejiang, ChinaLabel TextThe understated refinement pf this vessel's shape and glaze represents the virtuosity of Song ceramic production. It belongs to a group of wares considered by many to be the most beautiful ceramic wares ever produced. Tactile and visually beguiling, these Chinese green-glazed ceramics are remarkable for their fine surfaces and wonderful color. They referred self-consciously to ancient jade and bronze ritual objects in an age that collected antiques as fine objects for the first time. This work, which derives its shape from the ancient bronze ritual vessel known as a Hu, could have been used on a household altar or on a literary man's desk. Using the same archaistic shapes, the Longquan kilns where it was made also supplied the Southern Song imperial court with imitations of "official" (guan) wares to supplement those made in the capital's Hangzhou kilns.ProvenanceJames Laring; private coll Hong Kong since early 20th c.
On View
On view
Chinese
15th century, Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
Chinese
early to mid 12th century, Northern Song dynasty (960–1127)
Chinese
early 14th–late 15th century, Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
Chinese
Qianlong period (1736–1795) of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
late 11th century –early 12th century, Northern Song dynasty (960-1127)
Chinese
Qianlong period (1736–1795) of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
Kangxi period (1662–1722) of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
Kangxi period (1662–1722) of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
14th–15th century
Chinese
Late Northern Song Dynasty (1042–1127)