Illiano’s Lab Antiquities

This vase features a traditional vase coated with a clear and rich green celadon glaze. A fine network of crazing covers the surface. The neck is adorned with raised vine motifs, whi...

A graceful baluster form with a flared mouth, a rounded body, and a slightly raised foot. The vase features two intricate handles in the shape of animal figures holding large looped ...

A heavily potted and richly glazed celadon dish, Longquan kilns, early Ming Dynasty, mid 15th century, China. The large dish glazed in a deep olive cela...

Rare and well-preserved 16th century cupboard / cabinet. Detailed carved top section depicting a floral leaf design and people in polychrome lacquer. Front with red lacquer, pair of ...

The figure stands on a rectangular base. The horse is depicted in a poised stance, with strong, muscular legs and a slightly bowed head. The mane is carefully sculpted with deep, flowing grooves, adding a dynamic texture to the piece. The head features expressive details, including a well-defined muzzle, flared nostrils. The bridle and harness are delicately painted in faded green, contrasting against the creamy beige body. The saddle is adorned with intricate details, including decorative tassels and a textured pattern, indicative of the elaborate tack used in the Ming period. Traces of original polychrome pigments in green, black, and ochre remain on the surface, hinting at the sculpture’s once-vibrant appearance. The weathered patina and areas of flaking paint add to its historical authenticity, reflecting centuries of age. The overall craftsmanship and detailing exemplify the Ming Dynasty’s refined ceramic artistry, making this piece a remarkable representation of of asian culture during this period. Period: Ming Dynasty Medium: Green, black, and ochre glazed Pottery Type: Figure Condition : Good(chips on the upper saddle.) Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong Reference : Asian Civilisations Museum - Accession No. C-1384 / 1994-00441 - Ming Dynasty Figure of Horse (Type : Closely Related) * Ming Dynasty Glazed Pottery Figures Ming Dynasty glazed pottery figures are renowned for their bold color palette, intricate detailing, and lifelike forms, distinguishing them from earlier traditions. These figures, which depict officials, warriors, animals, and mythical creatures, are characterized by high-gloss lead-based glazes in green, amber, ochre, and sancai (three-color) combinations. The thickly applied glaze pools in recesses, creating depth and enhancing sculptural details. With dynamic postures, expressive facial features, and meticulously rendered drapery, these figures reflect the period’s advancement in ceramic craftsmanship, offering a greater sense of movement and realism compared to the rigid and stylized forms of earlier dynasties. A defining characteristic of Ming glazed pottery is its elaborate surface detailing, often achieved through raised relief elements and contrasting glazes. Equestrian figures, for example, feature carefully sculpted saddles, harnesses, and decorative embellishments, while human figures are adorned with intricate robes and headdresses. The large scale of these tomb figures, often more imposing than those from previous periods, underscores the increasing importance of funerary art during the Ming era. Unlike later Qing Dynasty figures...

Statues of Chinese horse and rider, featuring glazes in green, amber, are set on rectangular bases. Period: Ming Dynasty Medium: Green-glaze...

Statues of Chinese horse riders, featuring glazes in green, are set on rectangular bases. Period: Ming Dynasty Medium: Green-glazed Pottery Typ...

A rare brown colored stoneware dish with a central floral motif, likely a lotus, which is a recurrent symbol in Asian art representing purity and beauty. The design's fluidity and or...

Vietnamese stoneware jar with representative bird designs. These pieces exhibit a relatively vivid and clear color compared to similar works from Hoi An hoard. The main feature of th...

These 15th-century Le Dynasty ceramic vessels from northern Vietnam feature distinct designs. One is beige with faint blue floral patterns, a rounded body, and an elongated spout. Th...

Stoneware decorated with Persian-style colors and patterns, and it is highly likely that this Annamese pottery intended for export was produced to meet Middle Eastern demand. Dates ...

The artwork, with its foliage and floral motifs, suggests a connection to the natural world—a common theme in Vietnamese art. Such items were highly traded, and their recovery from shipwrecks helps us understand the extent of maritime commerce in Southeast Asia during the 15th and 16th centuries. This piece embodies the craftsmanship and aesthetic values of the period, providing insights into the cultural and economic contexts of its time. Dates : 15th century Le Dynasty Region : North Annam Type : Bowl Found/Acquired : Southeast Asia , South China Sea, Hoi An Ship Reference : Double checked with reference to the original catalogue Butterfield Treasures Hoi An Hoard Auction Catalogs / San Francisco Butterfields 2000 * Vietnamese trade ceramics Around the mid-14th century, Vietnam developed its ceramics production technology by producing blue and white porcelain, and began to export it overseas. During this period, China Ming Dynasty implemented a policy of lifting the ban from 1371 to 1657 and restricted foreign trade. This served as a good opportunity in the trade history of Vietnamese ceramics...