Dimensions: Height 24 cm Wide 18 cm Depth 18,5 cm

Weight: 1433 grams

A finely potted Yaozhou celadon ewer of compressed globular form, raised on a short spreading foot and surmounted by a cylindrical neck fitted with its original domed cover. The vessel is applied with a loop handle opposite a sculptural lion-form spout, the mythical beast rendered seated with open mouth serving as the pouring aperture.

The body is boldly carved in relief with large scrolling floral and foliate motifs beneath a soft olive-green celadon glaze characteristic of the Yaozhou kilns of northern China. The glaze pools attractively in the recessed areas, accentuating the crisp modelling of the decoration. Incised linear ornament decorates the shoulder and cover.

Ewers of this type reflect the technical sophistication and elegant design associated with Yaozhou wares during the Northern Song period, when carved celadons reached the height of their artistic development.

China, Song dynasty (960–1279)

Condition: Wear, glaze losses, firing imperfections, surface accretions and minor cracks consistent with age.