Double Tigers Medallion Flattened Vase/Ming Dynasty

Double Tigers Medallion Flattened Vase/Ming Dynasty

$1000.00 | 1 pkg. (Min.Order)

Key Features
Material & Technique: Cizhou Ware, White Slip with Incised (An Ke) Decoration & Celadon-Green Glaze
Style & Era: Ming Dynasty Cizhou Kiln Folk Classical
Primary Motifs: Front/Back: Three Rams Herald Spring | Sides: Double Tigers in Medallions
Form & Decoration: Flattened Oval Shape with Interlocking Lotus Vine Border
Dimensions: Height: 28 cm, Belly Width: 12 cm
Glaze Characteristic: Vibrant Sea-Green Lead-Fluxed Glaze
Primary Function: Auspicious Decorative Art, Collector's Folk Art Piece
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Description
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Product Introduction

Verity Antique presents the Double Tigers Medallion Flattened Vase, a vibrant and narrative-rich vessel that captures the unbridled creativity and symbolic heart of China's greatest folk ceramic tradition. This vase is a folk tale sculpted in clay and glaze. Its distinctive flattened oval form serves as a perfect stage for a dramatic play of symbols: the peaceful, auspicious "Three Rams Herald Spring" scene unfolds across its broad front and back, promising renewal and good fortune, while its sides are fiercely guarded by two powerful tigers within striking medallion frames. Every inch is alive with motion, from the swirling interlocking lotus vines to the spirited renditions of the animals, all revealed through masterful an ke (incising) technique under a luminous sea-green glaze. More than a vessel, it is a talisman of protection and prosperity, bursting with the energy, optimism, and skilled craftsmanship of the Cizhou kilns, made for both display and daily admiration.
 

 

Product Specifications

 

Parameter

Details

Material

Cizhou Ware (Gray Clay with White Slip & Lead-Fluxed Glaze)

Category

Vase / Decorative Art

Style

Cizhou Kiln, Ming Dynasty Folk Classical

Dimensions

Height: 28 cm; Mouth Diameter: 7 cm; Belly Width: 12 cm; Belly Side Width: 9 cm; Base Diameter: 8.5 cm

Glaze & Decoration

Celadon-Green Glaze over White Slip; Incised (An Ke) Design

Primary Motifs

Three Rams Herald Spring (Sanyang Kaitai);

Double Tigers; Interlocking Lotus Vines

Form

Flattened Oval Bottle with Medallion Panels (Kaichuang)

Primary Function

Auspicious Decorative Art; Collector's Folk Art Piece

 

Aesthetic & Symbolism

This vase is a powerful expression of the Chinese folk aesthetic, where symbolism, narrative, and visual impact converge. The flattened oval form itself is both archaistic and practical, echoing ancient bronze vessels while providing ideal surfaces for pictorial art. The vibrant celadon-green glaze, pooling slightly in the incised lines, evokes the color of clear jade and spring vitality, covering the piece in a cloak of luminous beauty. The central "Three Rams Herald Spring" motif is a triple-layered pun: the word for "ram" (yang) sounds like "sun" (yang) and "auspiciousness" (yang), while the scene itself heralds the end of winter and the flourishing of life, making it an ultimate symbol for blessings and a fresh start. The Double Tigers in their medallion frames are not just guardians but symbols of earthly power and Yang energy, balancing the peaceful rams with protective ferocity. The endless interlocking lotus vines signify harmony, boundless continuity, and spiritual purity. Together, these elements create a cohesive world of meaning-a dialogue between peace and power, growth and protection-all rendered with the energetic, confident line work characteristic of Cizhou ware's master artisans.
Double Tigers Medallion Flattened Vase

 

Use & Ambiance

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As a Bold Focal Point in Traditional or Modern Spaces: This vase commands attention with its vibrant color and strong storytelling. It enlivens a classical scholar's desk, a console table in an entryway, or a mantelpiece, bringing a burst of folk energy and auspicious symbolism to any room.


Creating an Atmosphere of Auspicious Vitality: Perfect for enlivening a space with positive energy. Its themes of prosperity (rams), protection (tigers), and purity (lotus) make it a meaningful addition to a home or office, intended to attract good fortune and ward off negativity.


A Celebration of Folk Artistry for Collectors: For the collector who appreciates the dynamism and honesty of folk art over imperial refinement, this vase represents a quintessential Cizhou type. Its combination of complex form, multiple symbolic motifs, and excellent state of preservation makes it a standout piece.


Interactive Play of Light and Texture: The incised lines catch the light beautifully. Display it where light can rake across its surface, dramatically casting shadows that deepen the carved designs, making the tigers snarl, the rams leap, and the vines twist with added three-dimensional vitality.

Care Instructions

 

 

 

Careful Handling Due to Form:

The flattened oval shape can make the center of gravity slightly unusual. Always handle with two hands, firmly supporting the base and the side of the body. Avoid lifting by the neck alone.

 
 

Gentle Dusting Only:

The glaze, while durable, can be susceptible to scratching over time due to its lead-fluxed nature and potential surface wear from centuries of age. Dust only with a soft, dry brush. Do not use water or any chemical cleaners, as they can damage the glaze's patina and integrity.

 
 

Stable Display Environment:

Avoid placing in areas with direct sunlight, which can cause the vibrant green glaze to fade over long periods. Protect from extreme temperature changes and high humidity. While sturdier than some imperial wares, it should still be kept in a stable, low-traffic location to prevent accidental knocks.

 
 

Preservation as Decorative Art:

This vase is a decorative object of significant age and artistic value. It is not intended for functional use with water or as a planter. Its value lies in its aesthetic, historical, and symbolic properties.

 

 

FAQ

 

Q:Is this a genuine ancient Cizhou ware piece?

A:Yes. This vase is an authentic Ming dynasty Cizhou ware vessel, consistent in material, form, decoration technique, and glaze characteristics with production from the fifteenth to sixteenth centuries. Its gray stoneware body, the white slip ground, the incised an ke technique, the characteristic celadon-green lead-fluxed glaze with appropriate pooling, and the confident, energetic linework all align with documented Ming Cizhou production. It has been examined independently and confirmed as period authentic.

Q: What is the cultural significance of the "Three Rams" motif?

A: It is one of the most popular auspicious motifs. It directly references the hexagram "Tai" in the I Ching, which depicts three Yang lines and signifies peace and prosperity. The imagery of three rams (or often, one ram and two kids) in a spring landscape visually translates this idea into an accessible, joyful scene of harmony and renewal.

 

Provenance

 

Verity Antique specializes in bringing forth objects that tell compelling stories and embody distinct cultural spirits. This Ming dynasty Cizhou vase was chosen for its exceptional combination of complex flattened form, multiple symbolic motifs, vibrant glaze preservation, and energetic incised linework. Unlike mass-produced replicas, we offer authentic folk art with soul-pieces where you can see the artisan's hand in every incised line and feel the vibrant energy of its symbolism. When you choose Verity Antique, you choose our expertise in identifying works of true artistic merit within the folk tradition, pieces that are both excellent examples of their type and captivating standalone artworks. We provide the historical context, authenticity verification, and the opportunity to own a powerful, joyful, and meaningful artifact that has survived centuries, ready to bring its auspicious story into your collection. This vase is offered not merely as decoration but as a talisman of protection and prosperity-a testament to the enduring vitality of China's great folk ceramic tradition.

 

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