Yue ware basin

Proto-Yue ware.
Clay: not visible, but probably fine gray stoneware.
Glaze: thin, transparent, matt, with slight greenish tinge; all over.
Decoration: stamped and incised in clay; four animal masks with rings applied in relief outside. Rim repaired.

Historical period(s)
Western Jin dynasty, 265-317
Medium
Stoneware with green glaze
Style
Yue ware
Dimensions
H x W: 8.6 x 35.6 cm (3 3/8 x 14 in)
Geography
China, Zhejiang Province
Credit Line
Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
Collection
Freer Gallery of Art
Accession Number
F1952.26
On View Location
Currently not on view
Classification(s)
Ceramic, Vessel
Type

Basin

Keywords
China, Proto-Yue ware, stoneware, Western Jin dynasty (265 - 317), Yue ware
Provenance
Provenance research underway.
Description

Proto-Yue ware.
Clay: not visible, but probably fine gray stoneware.
Glaze: thin, transparent, matt, with slight greenish tinge; all over.
Decoration: stamped and incised in clay; four animal masks with rings applied in relief outside. Rim repaired.

Label

The ornamental appliquéd animal masks and stamped and incised decor recall features of the basin's bronze prototype. The relatively even glaze makes this piece an especially fine example among a large group of similar basins. The basin was fired on small wads of clay typical of the kilns that produce Yue ware; the wads prevented the melted glaze from sticking to the supporting surface during firing.

Published References
  • Oriental Ceramics: The World's Great Collections. 12 vols., Tokyo. vol. 10, pl. 6.
  • Hai wai i chen [Chinese Art in Overseas Collections]. Taipei, 1985. vol. 3: p. 34.
  • Masterpieces of Chinese and Japanese Art: Freer Gallery of Art handbook. Washington, 1976. p. 62.
Collection Area(s)
Chinese Art
Web Resources
Google Cultural Institute
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