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East Asia, China, Song (Sung) Dynasty, ca. 960 to 1279 CE. A very large, dare I say enormous, Chinese glazed storage jar, of a graceful form with subtly attenuated walls and a corsetted shoulder that resolves to a short cylindrical neck, all enveloped in gorgeous Hare's Fur glaze. A breathtaking example of early Chinese stoneware glazing, with a rich presentation of caramel brown with black highlights. This unique Hare's Fur pattern was formed when iron oxide precipitates during the firing process. In effect, the excess iron oxide transmigrates to the surface of the glaze and creates the one-of-a-kind effect as seen here. Hare's Fur pottery of this form and scale is exceptionally rare to find; while the type was popular throughout the Song Dynasty, it was typically used for handheld tea bowls, favored for the striking contrast of the light foam of whisked tea against the dark glaze of the cup. A magnificent vessel representing the foundations of ancient Chinese pottery! Size: 18" Diameter x 29" H (45.7 cm x 73.7 cm)

Also known as Jian ware, the subtle colors and humble origins of the glaze were said to embody Zen aesthetics and thus were favored by monks. Along with tea culture, these bowls were later imported to Japan by Buddhist monks who were returning from studying in China. The Huizong Emperor, one of China?s greatest imperial art lovers, patrons and tea connoisseurs, was a devotee of Fujianese tea as well as Jian ware bowls. In Daguan chalun [A Discourse on Tea in the Daguan Period] of 1107, he commented that ?the desirable colour of a tea bowl is dark black and the best examples display clear and straight fur pattern of jade colour, since it highlights the colour of tea.? Today in China ceramic scholars classify the hare?s fur pattern of Jian wares as golden, silvery, yellow, grey and jade according to their color.

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

This item is heavy/oversized and will require 3rd party shipping. Please inquire about shipping cost prior to bidding.

Provenance: private Vero Beach, Florida, USA collection, acquired in the 1980s; ex-old English collection

All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.

A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.

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#177568

Professional restoration to top rim and some light surface wear as shown, all commensurate with age. Otherwise, excellent with nice preservation of glaze. TL holes to base and rim.