Page 18 - Sotheby's October 3 2017 Song Ceramics
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An Appreciation of Song Ceramics
The Master of the Le Cong Tang Collection
T he philosophy, aesthetics and religious beliefs of a culture can be meticulously balanced with utmost precision where even ‘a centimetre
encapsulated in the aesthetics of its utilitarian vessels. enlarged would be too big, and a centimetre subtracted would be too
small’. The elegance, subtlety and sophistication of these graceful
Chan Buddhism, first introduced into China by Bodhidharma in the vessels are endowed with timeless appreciation.
5th century AD, gradually assimilated the core values of Daoism and
Confucianism, and became the mainstream religion during the Tang In the context of Samadhi, Chan Buddhism embraces simplicity and
and Song dynasties. It thereby defined the aesthetic principles of Song composure; ‘gaming’, on the other hand, encourages expressiveness
dynasty ceramics. and liberation of the subconscious nature, free from resentment and
regrets.
The highest accomplishment of Chan meditation is attaining ‘gaming
Samadhi’. Samadhi refers to the state of remaining focused, composed This spontaneous spirit is expressed in the decoration on many Song
and aware of one’s surroundings. The notion of ‘gaming’ is derived from ceramics, including fluently carved examples from the Cizhou, Ding,
the foundation of Samadhi, where by attaining the state of egoless Yaozhou and Longquan kilns, and freely painted brown wares.
anatta, one is able to respond to any situation or change in life with
equanimity, humour and compassion. Furthermore, reverence for the natural world is another important
aspect of Chan Buddhist ideology. It is believed that the arduous
The spiritual state of Samadhi can only be attained when one practises pursuit of mechanical perfection will deviate one from the principles
an unmaterialistic and simple lifestyle. Therefore, aesthetic minimalism of nature. Consequently, the technical imperfections found on Song
is revered in Chan Buddhism. Ru and Guan wares created at the Imperial ceramics, such as iron spots, glaze pulls, distortions, and other glaze
Song kilns, conforming to this ideology, are characterised by elegant imperfections did not in any way interfere with the aesthetics. On the
simple forms and monochrome glazes. contrary, they represented the charm of nature. Although contemporary
ceramics are admittedly immaculate in their execution, they lack the
Nevertheless, minimalism does not imply a mundane and monotonous individuality and grace of Song ceramics.
style. The dimensions and shapes of Ru and Guan wares were all
designed with scrupulous attention to detail. The proportions were
16 | SOTHEBY’S 蘇富比
