Dimensions: Height 10,5 cm Wide 11,5 cm Depth 11,5 cm
Weight: 364 grams

12TH CENTURY SONG DYNASTY CHINA

Finely potted in the form of a lobed pomelo fruit, the vessel displays a well-balanced globular body rising from a short foot to a slightly indented rim, fitted with a later dark cover. The surface is evenly coated in a lustrous celadon glaze of light bluish-green tone, suffused with a fine network of crackle, characteristic of Song dynasty kiln aesthetics. The glaze pools attractively in the recessed grooves, emphasizing the naturalistic lobed form.

Such fruit-form vessels are exceedingly rare and were often associated with auspicious symbolism—here the pomelo, representing abundance and prosperity. The combination of elegant naturalism with the subtle, translucent glaze exemplifies the Song dynasty’s celebrated pursuit of understated refinement in ceramics.

The Vase is Chinese , the wood case from Japan. The work was an early export for Japan

Comparable examples are preserved in major collections including the National Palace Museum, Taipei, and the British Museum.

Provenance:

1) Collection Professor Bock

2) Since 1975 Mr Lacoda

Lung Chuan Yao, Sung-Zeit, 12. Jhd