Charger
Chinese
Description
Subject Matter:
This is a Longquan celadon charger of the Yuan dynasty (1279-1368). It is carved with a central peony motif surrounded by floral meander. Peonies are associated with wealth, imperial splendor, and the erotic appeal of a beautiful woman.
Longquan is the most representative, widespread, and esteemed ware of the Southern Song dynasty (1127–1279). Production started during the Five Dynasties period (907–960) at the kilns near the market town of Longquan, where in later dynasties much of the ware was collected for shipping. Technological advances such as the development of a multi-chambered, rising kiln and the use of stacked saggars (protective clay boxes) allowed for increased production in the Southern Song. In Yuan (1279–1368) and Ming (1368–1644) times, the kilns supplied wares to a domestic market as well as to overseas markets in Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
Physical Description:
This large stoneware charger has a flat base on a foot ring and short, inverted, gently-curving sides with a direct rim. The interior is incised with a central peony motif surrounded by a floral meander border. It is covered in a green celadon glaze.
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