Significant Ge Kiln Ceramics from the Song and Yuan Dynasties
The elder brother engineered a distinctive category of ceramic ware, which later sources identify as characterized by its crackled glaze; this specific type is referred to as Ge ware. Ge ware is notable for its "double crackle" effect, exhibiting two distinct types of crackle, a feature often regarded as its hallmark. This particular form of double crackle is termed "gold thread and iron wire." The clay body is a dark hue, and it is fired to a stoneware consistency by Western standards. Traditional literature frequently mentions the "purple mouth and iron foot" in connection with this ware. Despite the intricate pattern of myriad intersecting crackle lines, the surface texture remains fine and smooth to the touch. This refined craftsmanship is attributed to the skilled Elder brother. It is worth noting that the value of these unadorned wares parallels that of unpolished gemstones.
Click images to expand and enlarge
Southern Song / Yuan Dynasty Ge Kiln Ge Ware Pair of Very Rare
Octagonal Bottle Vases
This exceptional pair of octagonal Ge ware vases represents one of the rarest forms of Fine Art ceramics ever documented. Characterized by a wheat-colored hue and delicately thin pottery, these vases exhibit meticulous craftsmanship. Notably, Ge ware is distinguished by its iron foot, observable on the foot ring, resulting from the use of light brown clay with a high iron content, which darkens upon firing. The surface crackle pattern is described as resembling iron wire interwoven with golden threads. The Ge kiln, often referred to as the elder brother's kiln, operated during the Southern Song Dynasty and into the Yuan Dynasty. These vases are highly regarded as rare artifacts likely produced in the Southern Song Dynasty, attributable to an earlier, less refined firing process that resulted in thicker glaze application due to evolving production techniques. Each vase measures approximately 8 3/4 inches in height, underscoring their significance in the history of Chinese ceramics. ppjrs
Southern Song and Yuan Dynasties Ge Kiln Ge Ware: Large Vase Featuring Rare Eel's Blood Red Crackle Finish and Loose Ring Handles
Ge Kiln Large Vase from the Southern Song/Yuan Dynasties This exceptional Ge ware vase, distinguished by its loose ring handles and a mouth resembling that of a fortress, exemplifies the artistry of the Ge Kiln, which is often regarded as the elder brother among kilns during the Southern Song and Yuan Dynasties. The vase features a color reminiscent of wheat, accentuated by a purple mouth and an iron foot. Additionally, the presence of iron wire and the rare eel's blood red thread crackle further enhance its uniqueness. Due to its remarkable craftsmanship and impressive dimensions, approximately 13 3/4 inches in height, this vase is likely classified as tribute ware, reflecting its intended significance and aesthetic value. ppjrs
Southern Song/Yuan Dynasty Ge Kiln Ge Ware: Exceptional Large Octagonal Hu-Form Vase with Tube Ears and Golden Thread
S. Song / Yuan Dynasty Ge Kiln Ge Ware Large Octagonal Hu-Shaped Vase with Tube Ears, exhibiting golden thread iron wire crackle and a purple mouth iron foot, displaying a hue reminiscent of wheat. The Ge Kiln is recognized as the elder brother kiln transitioning from the Southern Song to the Yuan Dynasty. This vase likely served as tribute ware, reflecting exceptional artistry and grandeur due to its considerable dimensions, measuring approximately 13 3/4 inches in height. ppjrs
Southern Song / Yuan Dynasty Ge Kiln Ge Ware Rare
Large Vase With Handles
This exceptional Fine Art Ge Vase represents some of the most esteemed examples of Ge wares ever recorded. The Chinese have historically characterized the finest Ge wares by their wheat-like coloration, complemented by a distinctive purple rim, where the glaze thins, imparting a subtle hint of purple at the mouth. Furthermore, these pieces are noted for their iron foot, which is prominently visible on the foot ring, a result of the use of a light brown clay featuring a high iron content that transforms into a dark brown hue after firing. The crackle pattern is often described as resembling iron wire entwined with golden thread, adding a unique aesthetic appeal. The Ge Kiln, recognized as the elder brother's kiln, flourished during the Southern Song and Yuan Dynasties. This particular vase is likely classified as tribute ware due to its remarkable quality, beauty, and substantial size, measuring approximately 14 inches in height. ppjrs
Exceptional S. Song/Yuan Dynasty Ge Kiln Ge Ware: Large Vessel Featuring Unique Eel's Blood Red Crackle and Three Rams' Head Handles
S. Song/Yuan Dynasty Ge Kiln Ge ware large vase featuring three ram's head handles, characterized by a color reminiscent of wheat, a purple mouth, and an iron foot. The piece showcases iron wire decoration and rare eels blood red thread crackle. The Ge Kiln, often referred to as the elder brother's kiln during the Southern Song and Yuan Dynasties, is renowned for its craftsmanship. Given its exceptional quality, aesthetic appeal, and substantial dimensions—approximately 13 3/8 inches in height—this vase is likely to have served as tribute ware. ppjrs
S. Song / Yuan Dynasty Ge Kiln Ge Ware: A Pair of Remarkably Rare Curved Square Vases, Adorned with Tiger Mask and Ring Handles
This exceptional pair of Fine Art Curved Square Bottle Ge ware Vases represents some of the rarest examples of Ge wares documented to date. Exhibiting a wheat-like hue, these vases are delicately constructed, featuring distinctive Tiger Mask handles with ring accents. It is noted that Ge ware displays an iron foot, evident on the base ring, attributable to the use of a light brownish clay characterized by high iron content, which darkens to a deep brown during the firing process. The surface crackle is described as resembling iron wire interwoven with golden thread. The Ge Kiln, recognized as the predecessor of subsequent kiln types, flourished during the Southern Song through Yuan Dynasties. These vases, likely produced in the early Southern Song Dynasty, reflect the idiosyncrasies of period production, marked by less refined firing techniques and thicker glaze application, indicative of the developing craftsmanship of the era. Each vase measures approximately 9 ½ inches in height. ppjrs
Rare Ge Ware Octagonal Hu-form Vase with Tube Ears Featuring Eel's Blood Red Crackle from the Southern Song and Yuan Dynasties
**Ge Kiln Large Octagonal Hu-Form Vase** This exquisite octagonal hu-form vase, crafted during the Song and Yuan Dynasties, exemplifies the craftsmanship associated with the esteemed Ge Kiln, often referred to as the elder brother's kiln. With a color reminiscent of wheat, complemented by a purplish mouth and iron foot, the vase also features intricate details including iron wire and the rare "eel's blood" red thread crackle. Given its exceptional quality, beauty, and substantial size, which measures approximately 13 5/8 inches in height, this vase is likely to have been produced as tribute ware, intended to reflect the highest standards of artistry and cultural significance of the period. ppjrs
Song Dynasty Ge Kiln Burner: Ge Ware with Ding Form and Handles
This Ge Kiln ding-shaped burner with handles, originating from the Song or Yuan Dynasty, is likely produced in the early Southern Song period. The piece exhibits inconsistencies in the firing process, resulting in a thicker glaze, indicative of the techniques still being refined during that era. It features an iron foot and possesses a color reminiscent of wheat. The Ge Kiln is historically recognized as a predecessor in ceramic production during the Southern Song into the Yuan Dynasties. The burner stands approximately 8 inches tall. ppjrs
Ge Kiln Ge Ware Vase with Hu Form and Tube Handles from the Southern Song/Yuan Dynasty, Featuring an Iron Foot
Southern Song / Yuan Dynasty Ge Kiln Hu-formed Vase with Tube Handles, likely produced in the early Southern Song Dynasty, exhibiting an imperfect firing process that resulted in a thicker glaze due to incomplete control over the techniques at the time. The vase features an iron foot and a coloration reminiscent of wheat. The Ge Kiln is regarded as the predecessor to other kilns during the transitional period from the Southern Song to the Yuan Dynasties. The approximate height of the vase is 8 1/2 inches. ppjrs
Southern Song/Yuan Dynasty Ge Kiln Vase with Mythical Animal Handles: Purple Rim and Golden Thread Accents
Song/Yuan Dynasty Ge Kiln Vase with Mythical Animal Handles, featuring a purple mouth, golden thread, iron wire crackle, and iron foot, exhibits a color reminiscent of wheat. The Ge Kiln is recognized as a premier kiln during the Southern Song to Yuan Dynasties. When illuminated with a flashlight, the characteristic purple mouth reveals a subtle shade of purple due to the glaze's thin application. The vase stands at approximately 8 3/8 inches in height. ppjrs
Southern Song and Yuan Dynasties: Hexagonal Ge Kiln Vase with Ring Handles, Purple Mouth, and Golden Thread Detailing
Song/Yuan Dynasty Ge Kiln Hexagonal Vase with Ring Handles This remarkable Ge ware vase features a distinctive hexagonal shape, adorned with ring handles, and exhibits a striking purple mouth enhanced by golden thread and iron wire crackle detail. The iron foot complements the overall design, and the coloration closely resembles that of wheat. The Ge Kiln is historically recognized as the elder brother of kilns during the Southern Song and into the Yuan Dynasties. When illuminated with a flashlight, the glaze thins at the purple mouth, revealing a subtle hint of purple. The vase stands approximately 9 3/4 inches tall. ppjrs
Southern Song and Yuan Dynasty Ge Kiln Ge Ware Vase: Square Hu Form with Tube Handles and Iron Foot
Southern Song/Yuan Dynasty Ge Kiln Square Hu Vase with Tube Handles This exquisite square hu vase, featuring tube handles, is attributed to the early Southern Song Dynasty. The firing technique employed during this period demonstrates some lack of precision, resulting in a thicker glaze. This is indicative of the evolving ceramics process, which had not yet been fully mastered. The vase rests upon an iron foot and exhibits a color reminiscent of wheat. The Ge Kiln, often referred to as the elder brother's kiln, played a significant role in ceramics production during the Southern Song and Yuan Dynasties. The vase stands approximately 9 1/4 inches tall. ppjrs
Southern Song and Yuan Dynasty Ge Kiln Ge Ware Lobed Meiping Vase Featuring Purple Rim and Golden Thread Accents
Song/Yuan Dynasty Ge Kiln Meiping Form Vase, featuring a lobed design, exquisite purple mouth, golden-thread cracked glaze, and an iron foot with a color reminiscent of wheat. The Ge Kiln is renowned as a preeminent kiln during the Southern Song through the Yuan Dynasties. The purple hue of the mouth becomes visible under flashlight illumination, where the glaze is notably thin, revealing a delicate tinge of purple. The vase stands approximately 9 3/4 inches in height. ppjrs
Southern Song to Yuan Dynasty Ge Kiln Ge Ware Vase in Trumpet Horn Form Featuring Subtle Eel's Blood Thread and Iron Wire Accents
S. Song/Yuan Dynasty Ge Kiln Ge Ware Trumpet Horn Form Vase This exquisite piece features a subtle iron wire crackle reminiscent of eels' blood threads and is complemented by an iron foot. Its coloration is akin to that of wheat, enhancing its visual appeal. The Ge Kiln, recognized as the elder brother of kilns during the Southern Song to Yuan Dynasties, is renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship. This vase stands approximately 10 inches tall. ppjrs
Southern Song/Yuan Dynasty Ge Kiln Hexagonal Arrow Vase Featuring Subtle Eel's Blood Thread and Iron Wire Inlay
S. Song/Yuan Dynasty Ge Kiln Ge Ware Hexagonal Arrow Vase exhibiting subtle eels blood thread crackling and an iron foot, with a coloration reminiscent of wheat. The Ge Kiln, recognized as a premier kiln from the Southern Song through the Yuan Dynasties, stands approximately 10 inches in height. ppjrs
Southern Song to Yuan Dynasty Ge Kiln Ge Ware Octagonal Hu-Form Vase with Tube Handles and Iron Foot
Southern Song / Yuan Dynasty Ge Kiln Octagonal Hu-Formed Vase with Tube Handles, likely produced in the early Southern Song period. The firing process of this piece displays inconsistencies; the glaze is notably thicker due to the kiln's operational limitations at that time. It features an iron foot and a color reminiscent of wheat. The Ge Kiln, often regarded as the "elder brother's kiln," is historically significant during the transition from the Southern Song to the Yuan Dynasties. This vase stands approximately 7 1/2 inches tall. ppjrs
Southern Song and Yuan Dynasty Ge Kiln Ge Ware Lobed Vase with Purple Mouth and Golden Thread
Song/Yuan Dynasty Ge Kiln Ge Ware Lobed Form Vase with Purple Mouth, exhibiting golden-thread iron wire crackle and an iron foot, bears a color reminiscent of wheat. The Ge Kiln is recognized as the elder kiln dating from the Southern Song to the Yuan Dynasties. The purple mouth becomes visible under flashlight illumination, revealing a subtle purple tint in areas where the glaze is thinned. This piece stands approximately 9.5 inches tall. ppjrs
Southern Song and Yuan Dynasties: Ge Kiln Ge Ware Lobed Melon-Form Vase with Pedestal, Purple Mouth, and Golden Thread Detailing
Song/Yuan Dynasty Ge Kiln Lobed Melon Form Vase on Pedestal, featuring a purple mouth, adorned with golden-threaded iron wire crackle and an iron foot. The coloration resembles that of wheat. The Ge Kiln is recognized as a distinguished elder kiln from the Southern Song through the Yuan Dynasties. When illuminated with a flashlight, the thinly glazed purple mouth reveals a subtle hint of purple. The vase measures approximately 9 7/8 inches in height. ppjrs
Southern Song / Yuan Dynasty Ge Kiln Ge Ware Octagonal Vase with Purple Lip and Golden Thread Design
Song/Yuan Dynasty Ge Kiln Octagonal Vase with Purple Mouth, characterized by a crackled glaze featuring golden-thread and iron wire accents, supported by an iron foot and exhibiting a hue reminiscent of wheat. The Ge Kiln is often referred to as the elder sibling of kilns from the Southern Song to the Yuan Dynasties. Upon illumination, the Purple Mouth reveals a subtle purplish tint where the glaze is thinned. This exquisite piece measures approximately 9 3/4 inches in height. ppjrs
