14th Century Blue and White
Oil Lamp
Ming - Hongwu (1368 -
1398)
Four-Character Dynastic
Mark
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Click image for full view
15.7 centimeters
diameter, 22.2 centimeters height
Fair
Condition
Extremely rare oil lamp. Blue and white decoration
with a dragon winding around the neck and becoming the handle. Below is a
phoenix. The two together signify a man and a woman. They are surrounded
by scattered stylized clouds and flames. The underside of the top level is
decorated to depict the flaming pearl. The three-clawed dragon is common
to the preceding Yuan dynasty. The foot is skirted with a simple wave
scroll.
The handle is from the mold, not free-form method.
Early Chinese custom places this either in a temple or a tomb. The heavy
wear suggests the origin being that of a temple. Almost definitely one
of a pair. |
Click Thumbnail for full screen
image.
Note: Because of the rarity of
this piece, I've provided many more images for viewing.
My camera skills are somewhat limited, as is my setup for taking
pictures. True colors are seen best in the spectrum of natural sunlight,
specifically the primary color blue. Since this color is an important
aspect to the authenticity of this piece, the four images above were
taken in direct sunlight so the viewer can realize the true color and see
that it's derived from Mohammedan blue. All other images below were taken
under fluorescent lighting conditions, thus appearing somewhat gray. |
The only damage is a slight surface crack on the inside
of the foot rim. (shown below)
Click
below to see exact measurements.
Note:
Authentic Hongwu marked porcelain
is almost non-existent. The marking used on this piece, along
with the properties it displays, clearly proclaim it as belonging to the
first reign of the great Ming dynasty - Hongwu. For additional information
regarding Hongwu porcelain, plus information specific to this piece,
please click here. |
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