Notes:
For a similar example see the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, No. FE.180-1974.
The Song dynasty is frequently divided into two distinct periods, the Northern Song (960-1127) and the Southern Song (1127-1279). After the Song was founded by military leader Zhao Kuangyin, who established his capital at Bianjing, economic stability became a defining characteristic of the period. Prosperity resulted in a huge population increase and the flourishing of culture underpinned by major developments such as the first paper money, the founding of commercial guilds, standardization of taxation and technological innovation across many different industries. The Southern Song, referring to the period after the Song lost control of the north to the Jin dynasty, nevertheless saw a continuation of innovation and economic stability, before Mongol invasion in 1279 led to Chinese reunification under the Yuan. The flourishing of education and the economy during the Song is reflected in ceramic production; Song kilns were widespread and exited in 130 counties of nineteen provinces, accounting for 75% of all kilns established throughout Chinese history (Li, 2006 p.133). Innovation led to the development of new kiln technology, with large-scale kilns increasing their output and the quality of their wares. There were also significant developments in glaze technology; fired in the climbing dragon kilns near the town of Longquan, celadon wares like this dish were particularly prized by members of the aristocracy, who admired the clarity and texture of the glaze. An essential item for literati and scholarly aristocrats, brush washers would have been a popular choice of object. As such, this dish is a perfect representation of the technical developments in ceramic technology and the educational flourishing within Song society.
A similar brush washer sold at Sotheby's on 1/11/2022.
A small Longquan celadon-glazed washer, Southern Song dynasty | 南宋 龍泉窰青釉洗
November 1, 04:18 PM GMT
Lot Sold 18,900 GBP
Another example sold at Bonhams in 2013.
Celadon Ware
Celadon refers to a range of Chinese stoneware and porcelain, as well as green-glazed ceramics from other countries like Korea and Japan. It is an imprecise term, used to describe various green-glazed ceramics but does not encompass all green-glazed wares. For example, certain ceramics like Green Jun and Ge Ware have green glazes but are not classified as celadon. To address this ambiguity, some have proposed using "Green Ware" as a broader term, but "Celadon" remains more familiar and widely recognized.
Etymology
The origin of the term "Celadon" is debated:
Literary Connection: It may derive from the 17th-century French pastoral romance L’Astrée by Honoré d’Urfé, where the character Céladon wore pale green ribbons.
Historical Connection: It could be linked to Saladin, the Ayyubid Sultan, who reportedly sent green-glazed ceramics to Nur ad-Din, Sultan of Syria, in 1171.
Linguistic Roots: Another theory suggests it comes from the Sanskrit words sila (stone) and dhara (green).
Historical Origins and Production
Celadon ware originated in Zhejiang Province during the Eastern Han Dynasty, though green-glazed stoneware predates this period. The most renowned celadons, the Longquan Celadons, were also produced in Zhejiang. Additionally, celadon production spread to Jiangsu, Hubei, Hunan, and Jiangxi provinces.
Technical Details
Glazing Process: Celadon ware is made using a reducing atmosphere at a kiln temperature of about 1300°C.
Coloring Agents: A mixture of iron oxide and titanium gives the characteristic green hue.
Texture and Appearance: The glaze, applied thickly, contains tiny bubbles that diffuse light, creating a soft, rich appearance.
Celadon’s enduring beauty and craftsmanship have cemented its place as a significant cultural and artistic achievement, influencing ceramics across Asia and beyond.
