Yingqing?Glazed Melon?Ribbed EwerSuggested Period: Song?Yuan Dynasty, Hutian Kiln GroupDimensions: Width 2.68 in, Height 2.17 inObject DescriptionMaterial & CraftsmanshipThis melon?ribbed ewer was produced by the Hutian kiln complex during the Song?Yuan period. It was shaped by a combination of mould?casting and wheel?throwing. The entire vessel is covered with lustrous yingqing glaze of soft bluish?white tone, presenting a smooth and translucent glaze surface. The thin?walled body exhibits distinct translucency under strong light.Well?defined melon flutes are pressed onto the body. The shoulder is incised with scrolling floral motifs. The matching lid bears incised floral decoration, with a curled?leaf?shaped knob. The spout is slender and straight; the scroll?formed handle is fitted with a suspension loop at its terminal, allowing a cord to secure the lid in place.It has a flat base with exposed biscuit. Faint radial knife?trim marks are visible at the base center. The foot area bears natural earth patina and light russet kiln discoloration. The glaze?to?body transition is natural. The fine, compact thin body carries genuine inherited patina from age; no signs of modern artificial ageing are detected.Form & FunctionCrafted in a biomorphic melon form, the ewer features a full melon?shaped body, short straight mouth, straight spout, scrolling handle, and its original fitted lid. The melon?ribbed shape was a popular biomorphic design in the Song period, symbolizing prosperous descendants and continuous lineage.Ewers of this type from the Song?Yuan era served for pouring tea or wine, combining practical utility with decorative display. It represents a fine scholar?domestic ware of the Hutian kiln. Its delicate, elegant form demonstrates the kiln’s high mastery of shaping and glazing techniques.Condition ReportNo breaks, cracks or restorations. Minor surface wear consistent with age and use present on mouth rim, spout and handle. Natural earth?buried patina on the unglazed base, typical condition for an antique circulated ceramic.