East Asia, China, Tang Dynasty, ca. 618 to 907 CE. A breathtaking Tang Dynasty vessel, its body of an expansive pear shape with gently curved walls resolving to a slight neck, topped by a fitted lid with a stepped lotus finial that conjures images of a Chinese pagoda and also suggests a Buddhist influence, all upon a flat base. This is a high fired near porcelaneous grey stoneware jar with a finely crackled celadon green glaze on a thin white slip. Adorning the shoulder as well as the lid is well-executed Chinese calligraphy in black. It is likely that this piece served as an offering vessel or a type of “soul jar”. The writing on the vessel generally translates, "May you be forever young," and that on the lid continues this theme with a wish for longevity. Size: 9" in diameter x 11.75" H (22.9 cm x 29.8 cm)

The term celadon is generally used to describe Asian wares that present a pale jade green hue. Celadon glaze was initially created in China, where revered producers included the Longquan and Yue kilns in Zhejiang province. The technique eventually spread to Japan, Korea, and Thailand. Although most often associated with a light green color, Celadon glazes can actually manifest from white / grey to blue and even yellow, depending upon how thickly the potter applied the glaze, the type of clay used to form the vessel, the precise ingredients of the glaze, and how the potter fired the piece.

This piece has been tested using thermoluminescence (TL) and has been found to be ancient and of the period stated. A full report will accompany purchase.

Provenance: private Hong Kong, China collection

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#127252

Near choice save minor wear to the tip of finial and a few minor scuffs / spalls here and there. Wonderful craquelure to the glaze.