Longquan Green Earthenware Double Gourd Vase, Song Dynasty.

An antique Chinese celadon double-gourd vase with olive-green glaze and incised floral decoration. This vase dates to the Song Dynasty (960-1279) and is a fine example of Longquan earthenware. The Longquan kilns, located in Zhejiang Province, China, were renowned for their production of celadon ware - a type of earthenware characterised by its distinctive greenish-blue glaze. Longquan celadon is highly prized for its beauty and craftsmanship. The glaze, made from iron-containing porcelain clay, turns a green colour when fired, creating a finish that is both visually striking and soft to the touch. The gourd shape, which was very popular during the Song Dynasty, has important cultural symbolism in China, representing longevity and good fortune. This vase, with a globular, compressed lower bulb rising from a recessed base to a raised upper bulb, is glazed in celadon green, the unglazed rim of the foot revealing the brown body beneath. These pieces were often used as incense burners in religious rituals and ceremonies, and were used as decorative objects in homes and temples. The condition of the base indicates that the vase was undoubtedly made during the Song dynasty (10th-13th centuries). Vase dimensions: Height: 37.5 cm, top diameter: 5.3 cm, bottom diameter: 14 cm, widest part diameter: 23 cm. Weight: 3184 g Condition: In excellent condition. Please study the accompanying photographs carefully, as they form an integral part of this description. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. Please note that shipping costs include labor, packaging and postage.