Southern Song Dynasty Guan Ware Celadon Bronzeware-Shaped Bottle

A celadon vase fired in an official kiln during the Southern Song dynasty. Its shape is modeled after an ancient bronze vessel and was used as a drinking vessel for rituals. It has a wide base, a bulging body, and a wide, trumpet-shaped mouth. The body has a stepped design at the top and bottom, indicating careful craftsmanship. The entire vase is covered in a greenish celadon glaze, giving it the appearance of rusted bronze. The crackle-glazed, creating shading and texture on the surface. The fine crackle-glazed, especially around the wide, flared mouth, is particularly impressive. The foot is thin and uniform, and the black clay characteristic of Southern Song official kilns is exposed from the base, with the glaze extending to the inside of the foot. It is rare to see a ceramic Bronzeware-Shaped bottle that is so tall and has such a slender body. The wide-open mouth, in particular, is about twice the size of the body, making it a very impressive piece. There is a spot on the back of the rim that looks like a chip, but it is a scratch that occurred during firing and has been covered with glaze.