Artwork Page for Ewer with a Lion-shaped Spout

Details / Information for Ewer with a Lion-shaped Spout

Ewer with a Lion-shaped Spout

900s–1000s

China, Shaanxi province, Tongchuan, Huangbaozhen, Five Dynasties period (907-960) or Northern Song dynasty

(960-1126)
Medium
green-glazed porcelaneous stoneware with modeled, carved and incised decoration, Yaozhou ware
Measurements
Overall: 18.3 cm (7 3/16 in.)
Credit Line
Purchase from the J. H. Wade Fund 1948.220
Public Domain
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Location
238 Chinese Ceramics
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Description

This remarkable ewer is most likely a very early and rare type of Yaozhou ware, with the shape and decoration recalling Tang metal ware. High quality pieces like this might have been sent as tribute to the Northern Song court. Yaozhou ware, or northern celadon, appeared to have been made in the north in emulation of the southern Yue ware. But its green glaze has a deep olive-green tone, and potters fully exploited the contrasting tones of the glaze over the incised and carved decoration to create rich textural effects.
A pale green-glazed stoneware vessel features a bulbous body and domed top. Leaf-like ridges sweep across the surface, swelling with texture. A seated lion spout balances a high-arched handle curving toward a central neck. Fine, cobweb-like cracks network across the glossy surface, catching the light. The vessel stands on a flared base. Small, dark chips along the rim interrupt the jade-colored glaze, revealing the earthy clay beneath.

Ewer with a Lion-shaped Spout

900s–1000s

China, Shaanxi province, Tongchuan, Huangbaozhen, Five Dynasties period (907-960) or Northern Song dynasty (960-1126)

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