Ming Dynasty Longquan Celadon Tripod Censer

Late Ming Dynasty, c. 1600-1640 AD, Longquan Kilns, Zhejiang, South China

This impressive Longquan celadon censer is a magnificent example of the refined ceramic artistry from the renowned Longquan kilns, celebrated for their distinctive jade-like green glazes. Known in the West as celadon or greenware, Longquan celadon was among the most prized ceramics of imperial China, admired for its elegant translucent glazes and exquisite craftsmanship.

The Longquan kilns, located in Zhejiang Province, have a rich and continuous history of celadon production dating back to the Northern Song Dynasty (960–1127). With the relocation of the capital to Hangzhou in the Southern Song period (1127–1279), Longquan celadon flourished, achieving new heights in both quality and scale of production. This tradition continued into the Yuan (1271–1368) and Ming (1368–1644) Dynasties, with Longquan ware becoming a highly sought-after export, reaching as far as the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

The most defining feature of Longquan celadon is its thick, glassy glaze, ranging from grayish-blue to rich green, designed to emulate the luxurious beauty of jade—a material revered in Chinese aesthetics. As early as the Tang Dynasty (618–907), porcelain was already described as "fake jade", with green glazes imitating jadeite and white porcelains mimicking white jade.

This heavy-built censer, crafted in a compressed globular form, exemplifies the robust yet elegant style of Ming Dynasty Longquan wares. It features gently inward-curving sides, supported by three short knob feet, giving it a sense of stability and refinement. The plain body, devoid of excessive ornamentation, allows the lustrous grayish-green glaze to take center stage. A subtle, even network of crackles enhances the surface, lending the piece an organic, timeless beauty. In some areas, the glaze reveals minute bubbles, adding further depth and character. The unglazed flat base, oxidized to a warm orange hue during firing, is a hallmark of authentic Longquan celadon from this period.

A remarkable piece of Ming Dynasty craftsmanship, this Longquan celadon censer embodies the aesthetic ideals of simplicity, elegance, and harmony. Highly collectible and historically significant, it serves as a testament to the centuries-old mastery of Chinese ceramic artisans.

Excellent condition. Intact. Minimal firing cracks and glazing flaws, such as dark spots. Size approx. 21,5cm x 21,5cm x 9,7cm. 

Provenance: Finnish private collection

References and further reading:

Chinese Celadon Wares, G.St.G.M. Gompertz, Published by Faber and Faber Limited, London, 1980.

The Chinese Potter: A Practical History of Chinese Ceramics, Margaret Medley, 3rd edition, Phaidon, 1989.

Ming: 50 years that changed China, Craig Clunas & Jessica Harrison-Hall, British Museum Press, 2014.