Dimension: 22.1cmHeight, 11.9cmWidth
Description:
An extremely rare heavy potted underglaze copper red holy
water sprinkler vessel painted with flower heads and its interlocking foliage
and various layers of lappets and lotus panels supported on a a round short
foot rising to flared skirt and bulbous extension before to a pear-shaped body
with an almost upright spout ,all covered with transparent glaze with bluish
tinge, the foot rim unglazed and the base with stylized four characters “yong
le nian zhi” of Yongle reign early 15th century.
The shape of this vessel is linked to Tibetan or Buddhist
metal ware for storing holy water in religious ceremony and used as a
sprinkler. During Yongle reign, the emperor had previously usurped the throne
from his nephew Emperor Jian Wen and has sought Tibetan Buddhism priests to
acknowledge his right to rule despite opposition from the population. This
vessel with Yongle reign mark possibly made to ceremoniously to bless his
ruling hand.
Underglaze red is a notoriously difficult to fire often
turning black even in today’s advance firing. Wood fired, this vessel gives a
warm glow with colorant copper diffusing into the glaze turning the red color
to be brownish red. Underglazed red was still in experimental stage, but mixing
with iron oxide colorant as in the Yuan dynasty as omitted as seen in this
vessel, perhaps close to achieving the desirable brilliant red.
Provenance: Acquired from earth discovery in northwest of
Java once thrived a trading place.
Courier Shipping and packing: Included.