Description

The Longquan Celadon Dotted-Color Yuhuchun Vase draws inspiration from the classic Song dynasty Yuhuchun form, one of the most emblematic vase shapes in traditional Chinese ceramics. Its name, Yuhuchun, evokes the Tang poet Wang Changling’s verse: “If friends in Luoyang inquire of me, my heart is like ice in a jade pot”, reflecting the poetic elegance and cultural refinement associated with this form. Over time, it evolved into a distinctive ceramic shape cherished by literati for display and flower arrangement, embodying aesthetic taste and refined scholarly life.

The vase’s profile adheres strictly to classical design: a flared mouth like a blooming magnolia, slender neck like delicate jade fingers, drooping bulbous body akin to a dew-laden flower bud, and a shallow ring foot that lightly supports the vessel. The silhouette flows seamlessly, combining upright elegance with gentle grace, solemnity with lively charm, perfectly illustrating the Song dynasty pursuit of simplicity and refined beauty.

Constructed with cinnabar-colored red clay, the vase is coated in a thick, translucent Meiziqing (plum-green) glaze, fired in a reduction kiln to achieve a jade-like, icy translucence. The surface is adorned with natural brown speckles, irregular yet balanced, reminiscent of falling petals on a verdant glaze or floating duckweed on clear water, adding movement and visual interest to the refined celadon.

The dotted-color technique derives from Longquan kiln traditions. By carefully controlling kiln temperature and glaze composition, iron elements naturally emerge during firing, forming these organic brown spots. This method preserves the celadon’s soft, jade-like quality while introducing a dynamic, naturally spontaneous decoration, embodying the artistic principle of “beauty arising from nature.”

Ideal as a flower vase, it enhances the elegance of floral arrangements; as a decorative piece, it adds subtle charm and refinement to any space. The combination of classic Yuhuchun form, luminous plum-green glaze, and spontaneous spot decoration brings the artistry of Song dynasty Longquan celadon into contemporary appreciation.

The Dotted-Color Yuhuchun Vase is a rare example of classic form, innovative decorative technique, and cultural symbolism, offering a timeless work of art that bridges traditional Chinese craftsmanship and modern appreciation.