Page 23 - Bonham's Asian Art London November 12, 2015

The lots included in this section are exemplary As one of the most popular and important export
of the high degree of technical precision and commodities during the Ming dynasty, Longquan
ingenuity that craftsmen at the Longquan kilns celadons were traded as far as to the Middle East
possessed during the Ming dynasty. Virtues of the and South East Asia. Longquan scholar’s objects
glaze were combined with a variety of elegant or and tea accoutrements were particularly favored
complex shapes, as well as executed with intricate and prized in Japan, where top quality pieces of
and auspicious decorative elements. Consider glaze, form and decoration often went. As such,
the pleasing and sophisticated proportionality of it is unsurprising that the objects in this section
Lot 28, which is well potted with a widely flared were previously cherished in private Japanese
rim rising from an elegant tall, slightly waisted collections.
neck, above a high shouldered tapering globular
body. The freely carved motifs of leafy peonies
around the neck and body, conveys a finely honed
aesthetic sensibility that further accentuates the
vase’s appeal. Longquan wares also demonstrate
an inspired blend of form and function for
scholar’s objects. This is particularly evident in the
sculptural elements of incense burners, including
the Buddhist lions of Lots 22, 23 and 29, and the
double dragon head of Lot 26, which not only
served as decoration but were functional as vents
for the incense smoke.

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