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Kuan Ware Celadon Washer in the Shape of a Hibiscus

Tags: ceramics | National Palace Museum | Southern Sung | vessel

 

Southern Sung period (1127-1279)
Height: 9.3 cm, diameter: 16 x 16.9 cm, weight: 1069 g 
 
In the past, this cosmetics receptacle was referred to as a “washer.” The whole piece is in the style of a hibiscus, with six petals. The top is modelled to resemble the flower itself in a concave design that ends in a circular indentation in the center. The blue-green glaze has been applied generously, taking on a deep blue color around areas where the glaze has accumulated, and yellowish-brown where the body can be seen through thinner areas of glaze. The crackling is sparse yet elongated, with a relatively light hue. The sides go straight down until they culminate into a ring foot, the rim of which is a dark brown.

Text: Ts'ai Mei-fen


Text and images are provided by National Palace Museum