Song Dynasty Stoneware Vessel

Northern Song dynasty, 960-1279AD, China

Charming, unrefined stoneware pottery vessel used for storage, made in southern China Fujian or Guangdong province since Song Dynasty for domestic use as well as export. Probably used for containing oil or medicines like mercury. Robust bottle was salvaged from shipwreck. Such bottles and other ceramics made up an important part of the vibrant trade between China and the Indonesian islands during the period. The ceramic art of the Song Dynasty has historically been divided into two distinct periods of manufacture, the Northern Song (960-1127) and the Southern Song (1127-1275). The Song court favored elegant ceramics with simple and refined forms and subtle gazes, reflecting the aesthetic values and introspective atmosphere of the time. 

Unusual, coarse pottery vessel are in good condition. Beautiful dipped dark iron glaze. The accumulation of encrustations mark the many years spent submerged in the sea. Exposure has led to heavy deterioration of the glaze, and lends the piece a distinctive and appealing patination. Age-related wear. Intact. Abrasion, dirt and dust. Size approx. 18,0cm x 7,5cm x 7,4cm.

Provenance: Dutch private collection

References and further reading:

Song to Yuan dynasties 960–1350, National Palace Museum, Taipei.(https://www.npm.edu.tw/exh99/ceramics/en/page-3.html#main)

The Enchantment of Song, Ying Jang & Annika Waenerberg, 2002, Academia.(https://www.academia.edu/10582197/The_Enchantment_of_Song)