Song Cizhou Black Glazed Vase - Incised Fish Pattern Bottle

Name: China Song Cizhou Black Glazed Vase - Incised Fish Pattern Bottle - Verity Antique
Brand: Verity Antique
SKU: 293622657
Price: 1063.0 USD

$1063.00 | 0 pkg. (Min.Order)

Key Features
Material & Decoration: Cizhou Ware, Black Glaze with Cicahua (Incised) Fish Motif
Style & Era: Song/Jin Dynasty Cizhou Kiln Classical
Form: Classic Pear-Shaped Bottle (Yuhuchun Ping)
Decorative Technique: Incised Design Revealing Warm Clay Body
Primary Motif: Single Dynamic Fish, Symbol of Abundance
Dimensions: Height: 27 cm, Belly Diameter: 13 cm
Primary Function: Auspicious Decorative Art, Collector's Folk Art Piece

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Product Introduction

The Song Cizhou Black Glazed Vase - Incised Fish Pattern Bottle is an authentic product of the Cizhou kilns, created during the Song or Jin dynasties in northern China. Verity Antique presents this exceptional vessel as a study in elegant contrast and folkloric charm-a work that marries the sophistication of Song form with the expressive directness of northern folk art. Its classic pear-shaped silhouette flows with serene grace from lip to foot, its curves embodying the Song literati's appreciation for restrained elegance and harmonious proportion. From the deep, mysterious pool of its black glaze emerges a single, dynamic fish, carved with confident, flowing lines that capture the creature's essence of movement and life. This is achieved through the masterful cicahua technique, where the artisan's tool danced across the surface, revealing the warm, earthy body beneath the dark glaze. The result is a design that is both graphic and organic-simple yet profoundly expressive, its bold contrast creating a visual impact that has lost none of its power across nearly a millennium. This vase is not merely a container but a bearer of ancient blessings, a piece of folk art that speaks of abundance, fluidity, and the joyful craftsmanship of the northern kilns that supplied the homes and studios of Song-dynasty China.

Product Specifications

Parameter	Details
Material	Cizhou Ware: Gray Stoneware with Iron-Rich Black Glaze
Category	Vase / Decorative Art / Auspicious Object
Style	Song-Jin Dynasties (10th-13th Century), Cizhou Kiln Tradition
Period	Song Dynasty (960-1279) or Jin Dynasty (1115-1234)
Dimensions	Height: 27 cm; Mouth Diameter: 4 cm; Belly Diameter: 13 cm; Base Diameter: 7 cm
Form	Pear-Shaped Vase (Yuhuchun Ping)
Decoration Technique	Incised Design (Cicahua) through Black Glaze
Primary Motif	Single Dynamic Fish
Glaze Characteristic	Deep Black, Semi-Glossy, Iron-Rich
Primary Function	Auspicious Decorative Art; Collector's Folk Art Piece
Condition	Excellent, with crisp incised lines, well-preserved glaze, and no restoration

Aesthetic & Symbolism

This vase beautifully marries the sophistication of Song form with the expressive directness of folk art. The elongated pear shape is a Song dynasty classic, representing feminine beauty, fertility, and harmonious proportion. Its curves guide the eye smoothly from lip to foot, a model of restrained elegance that would have been as appreciated in the scholar's studio as in the merchant's home. The deep black glaze is more than a colour; it evokes the night sky or still water, providing a dramatic, infinite-seeming background against which the incised fish springs to life. It represents the unknown, mystery, and the element of water from which the creature emerges. The incised fish is the focal point of symbolism. In Chinese culture, the fish (yu) is a homophone for "abundance" and "surplus." A single fish symbolizes freedom and ease, moving through water without obstruction-a metaphor for a life unencumbered by difficulty. The act of carving it through the glaze-making the hidden visible-parallels the idea of bringing latent abundance into reality. The technique itself, with its contrasting textures of glossy glaze against matte exposed clay, embodies the philosophical concept of yin (dark, hidden) and yang (light, revealed) in dynamic balance. The overall effect is one of auspicious warmth, where a simple, potent symbol is elevated through masterful craftsmanship and a perfect form.

Use & Ambiance

This vase's bold graphic quality makes it a perfect standalone art piece. Display it on a simple stand or shelf against a light-colored wall, where the stark contrast of the black glaze and the incised fish can be fully appreciated as a minimalist yet powerful statement. Its 27 cm height gives it commanding presence without overwhelming its surroundings.

The vase's organic form and folk-art motif allow it to bridge styles seamlessly. It can add a touch of earthy, handcrafted warmth to a modern interior or complement the rustic charm of a country-style or Oriental-themed room. The black glaze provides neutrality; the incised fish provides character.

Under raking light-whether morning sun or a directional lamp-the incised design truly comes alive. Shadows collect in the carved lines, making the fish appear three-dimensional and causing the glossy black glaze to shimmer, dramatically highlighting the contrast between carved and glazed areas. The artisan's original tool strokes become visible as topography.

For enthusiasts of ceramic techniques, this vase is a prime example of the cicahua method. The clarity and confidence of the incised line, combined with the excellent preservation of the black glaze, make it a desirable study piece and a beautiful representative of Cizhou's decorative range. Each viewing reveals new subtleties in the fluidity of the fish's form.

In a meditation space or quiet corner, the fish's symbolic meaning adds depth to its visual appeal. It serves not merely as decoration but as a reminder of the abundance already present, the freedom available in each moment-a silent companion for contemplative practice.

Care Instructions

Careful Handling of the Glazed Surface:

While sturdy, the incised areas where the glaze has been cut away are more vulnerable. Handle by supporting the base and body. Avoid gripping the vase where the incised design is located to prevent pressure on the edges of the glaze.

Gentle Dry Dusting Only:

To preserve the integrity of the glaze and the exposed clay body in the design, only dry dusting is recommended. Use a soft, dry brush. Do not use water or cleaners, as moisture could stain the porous, unglazed lines of the fish motif or damage the glaze's patina.

Stable Display Environment:

Keep in a stable environment away from direct sunlight, which could potentially fade the deep black glaze over a very long period. The stoneware body is robust, but it should still be protected from extreme temperature shocks.

Preservation as Decorative Art:

This is a decorative object of historical and artistic value. It is not intended for functional use with water or as a planter. Its value lies in its aesthetic appeal, symbolic meaning, and as an example of classic Cizhou craftsmanship.

FAQ

Q: How is the incised technique different from painting?

A: Incise is a subtractive technique. The potter applies a layer of dark glaze to the leather-hard body, then uses a sharp tool to carve through that glaze layer to expose the lighter-colored clay underneath, creating the design. This differs from painting, which is an additive process of applying pigment onto the surface. The incised line has a distinctive, crisp, and textured quality.

Q: What does the fish symbolize?

A: The fish is one of the most common and beloved auspicious symbols in Chinese art. Its pronunciation (yu) is a pun for "abundance" (yu) and "surplus" (youyu). It symbolizes wealth, prosperity, and success. In a marital context, it represents harmony and fertility. A fish swimming freely also symbolizes freedom and ease.

Q: Why is the black glaze sometimes called "oil-spot" or "hare's fur"?

A: This vase features a plain black glaze, but Cizhou and Jian kilns also produced famous "textured" black glazes. "Oil-spot" has silvery crystalline spots, and "hare's fur" has fine streaks. This piece showcases the beauty of a pure, deep, and lustrous black, which was also a significant technical achievement.

Provenance

Verity Antique acquired this exceptional Cizhou vase from a distinguished European private collection formed in the mid-twentieth century, with documented provenance tracing to the Hong Kong art market in the 1950s. The vase has been examined independently and confirmed as authentic Song-Jin dynasty Cizhou ware, its attribution verified through analysis of the stoneware body, glaze composition, incising technique, and form. Its condition is exceptional: the incised lines remain crisp and clear, the black glaze retains its deep original tone, and there is no restoration whatsoever. When you acquire this vase from Verity Antique, you receive not merely a masterpiece of northern Chinese folk art but a documented fragment of the auspicious symbolism and confident craftsmanship that defined the Cizhou kilns at their creative height. We provide the scholarship, the provenance and the absolute confidence that permits you to display this work not as decoration but as a testament to Song-Jin genius-and to your own discerning judgment in recognising the authentic, the meaningful and the truly beautiful.

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