The Yuan Dynasty: Distinctive Expertise in Porcelain Craftsmanship

The Yuan Dynasty, a term in Chinese that translates to "Origin," extended from 1271 to 1368 and represents a significant era in the extensive history of Chinese porcelain. This period, governed by Mongol leadership, initiated a remarkable phase of artistic evolution and technological advancement within the ceramic arts. The advent of novel techniques, along with a distinctive fusion of cultural influences, resulted in the production of porcelain artifacts that were not only exquisite for their time but also continue to engage and enchant collectors and connoisseurs in the present day.

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Blue, White, and Red Yuan Dynasty Jar: One of A Pair Featuring Four Panels of Applied Floral and Foliage Designs

The Blue, White, and Red Yuan Dynasty Jar, adorned with meticulously applied floral and foliage motifs, features a distinctive cat finial. This piece is part of a pair of jars. Crafted with imported samali blue cobalt, the cobalt exhibits a unique blackish hue. The heaping and piling effect present on the glaze surface reveals not brown, indicative of local Chinese cobalt, but rather black spots or a silvery sheen. This characteristic serves as a testament to its provenance, as this particular imported cobalt has not been accessible for over 500 years. Furthermore, the presence of flaking in the biscuit underscores its considerable age. The jar stands at approximately 16 3/4 inches tall.  ppjrs

Large Blue and White Seven-Section Dragon Jar from the Yuan Dynasty

Fine Blue and White Yuan Dynasty Jar with Seven Sections of Decorative Dragons and Handles This exceptional jar showcases a sophisticated fine painting style characteristic of the period. Crafted using imported samali blue cobalt, this material displays a distinctive blackish hue. Notably, the heaping and piling effect of the glaze leads to the appearance of black spots or silvery reflections, rather than the brown hues indicative of locally sourced Chinese cobalt. This distinction serves as an important confirmation of the jar's provenance, as imported cobalt has not been available for over 500 years. The jar is constructed in two sections, a typical feature of many Yuan Dynasty jars. Evidence of flaking in the biscuit further attests to its considerable age. The jar stands approximately 17 3/8 inches tall.  ppjrs

Blue, White, and Red Yuan Dynasty Jar: One of A Pair Featuring Four Panels of Applied Floral and Foliage Designs

The Blue, White, and Red Yuan Dynasty Jar, adorned with meticulously applied floral and foliage motifs, features a distinctive cat finial. This piece is part of a pair of jars. Crafted with imported samali blue cobalt, the cobalt exhibits a unique blackish hue. The heaping and piling effect present on the glaze surface reveals not brown, indicative of local Chinese cobalt, but rather black spots or a silvery sheen. This characteristic serves as a testament to its provenance, as this particular imported cobalt has not been accessible for over 500 years. Furthermore, the presence of flaking in the biscuit underscores its considerable age. The jar stands at approximately 16 3/4 inches tall.  ppjrs

Blue and White Yuan Dynasty Jar Featuring Fish Among Aquatic Vegetation

This fine blue and white Yuan Dynasty jar, adorned with intricate depictions of fish amidst aquatic vegetation, exemplifies the superior craftsmanship of the era. The vessel incorporates imported samali blue cobalt, distinguished by its characteristic blackish hue. Notably, when the heaped and piled effect disrupts the surface of the glaze, it reveals black spots or silvery reflections, rather than the brown tones associated with locally sourced Chinese cobalt. This distinctive feature serves as evidence of its authenticity, as such cobalt has not been accessible for over five centuries. The accompanying image illustrates that the jar has been luted together in two sections, a common practice observed in many Yuan Dynasty jars. Additionally, the flaking present in the biscuit further attests to the jar's considerable age. The jar stands approximately 12 inches tall, making it a significant and noteworthy piece of historical artistry.  ppjrs

Blue and White Yuan Dynasty Jar Featuring a Dragon in Pursuit 
of a Flaming Pearl

This exceptional Fine Art piece is a Blue and White Yuan Dynasty jar, distinguished by its depiction of a dragon pursuing a flaming pearl. The artisans employed imported samali blue cobalt, characterized by its distinctive blackish undertone. Notably, when the heaping and piling effects disrupt the surface of the glaze, it reveals black spots or a silvery reflection, as opposed to the brown typically associated with locally sourced Chinese cobalt. This observation serves as an important indicator of the piece's age, as this particular imported cobalt has not been available for over 500 years. The accompanying photograph illustrates the jar's interior, which is constructed in two sections, a common feature observed in many Yuan Dynasty jars. Additionally, the presence of flaking in the biscuit underscores the jar’s significant historical age. The jar stands at an approximate height of 11 inches.  ppjrs

Yuan Dynasty Blue and White Double Gourd Vase Featuring 
Dragon and Phoenix Motifs

The Yuan Dynasty Blue and White Double Gourd Vase is a remarkable artefact, characterized by two dragons engaged in a dynamic pursuit across water, complemented by two phoenixes soaring amidst clouds. This exceptional piece is crafted from imported Samali blue cobalt, renowned for its distinctive blackish hue. The intricate heaping and piling technique applied in its creation can result in a surface finish displaying not only black speckles but also silvery reflections, diverging from the typical brown tones associated with local Chinese cobalt. Furthermore, the vase exhibits a greenish tint, a hallmark of its authenticity, attributed to the specific mineral composition of this cobalt. This characteristic, along with its age, is significant, as this type of cobalt has not been available for over 500 years. Additionally, the presence of flaking in the biscuit further substantiates its considerable antiquity. The overall height of this exquisite jar measures approximately 18 5/8 inches.  ppjrs

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