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A 'YUE' CELADON-GLAZED FUNERARY JAR WITH BUDDHIST FIGURES WESTERN JIN DYNASTY
Estimate
30,000 - 40,000 USD
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Description
- ceramics
the plain ovoid jar surmounted by a two-tiered structure of molded, carved and applied decoration, the first section comprised of two prominent gateways with bear-form supports, each flanked by a pair of tall pillars, que, and eight seated Buddhas atop lotus thrones, the upper section with another similar pair of gateways but set with oviform jars to either side and birds with outspread wings, Japanese wood box
Exhibited
Osaka Municipal Museum of Fine Art, Arts of the Six Dynasties, Osaka, 1976, cat. no. 1-73.
Literature
Toji Taikei, vol. 36, Tokyo, 1978, pl. no. 1.
Condition
There is restoration to some of the birds wings and there is fritting to the rims of the jars along the upper tier. There is some wear to the glaze.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
The most striking type of Yue ware is the large funerary jar, known as hunping (vessel of the hun soul), gucangguan (granary jar), or shenting hu (spirit pavilion vase). These jars typically have complex sculptural assemblages that decorate the upper portions juxtaposing the plainer lower portions. A variety of techniques were utilized in the decoration of these jars; sprig molding, applique, carving and incising. These jars are generally thought to come from the area south of the Yangzi River corresponding to modern northern Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces.
The present example is notable for the inclusion of Buddhist figures. Typically the jars feature musicians and entertainers in attendance to ease the passage to the next realm. The seated Buddhas are among the earliest representations of Buddhism in China indicating that the religion which had traveled from India via established trade routes in the Han dynasty, had gained a strong level of popularity by the 3rd century. A similar example is illustrated and discussed in Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics from the Meiyintang Collection, London, vol. 3 (II), 2006, no. 1337.
The present example is notable for the inclusion of Buddhist figures. Typically the jars feature musicians and entertainers in attendance to ease the passage to the next realm. The seated Buddhas are among the earliest representations of Buddhism in China indicating that the religion which had traveled from India via established trade routes in the Han dynasty, had gained a strong level of popularity by the 3rd century. A similar example is illustrated and discussed in Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics from the Meiyintang Collection, London, vol. 3 (II), 2006, no. 1337.