Rare Chinese Zoomorphic Stoneware Jar – Bird-head Lid – Southern Kilns, Qing Dynasty C.1850–1890

Name: Rare Chinese Zoomorphic Stoneware Jar – Bird-head Lid – Southern Kilns, Qing Dynasty C.1850–1890
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1142962
Availability: SoldOut

19th century

Sold by Gillers Antiques Ltd

Description

An exceptional Chinese stoneware jar with original bird-head lid, dating to the Tongzhi–Guangxu period (mid-to-late 19th century). Made in the Guangdong or Jiangxi region, this jar exemplifies the refined folk tradition of Southern Qing ceramics.

The jar is of rounded ovoid form with a short neck and applied lug handles, covered in a warm ochre-toned high-fired glaze exhibiting deep, stable craquelure from natural oxidation. The glaze continues into the interior and underside, with clear firing scars from a traditional three-point support.

The lid is modelled in the form of a stylised bird's head with incised feather motifs, evoking ritual zoomorphic forms of earlier Chinese dynasties. Freehand iron-oxide brushwork decorates the surface with scrolling foliage and a seated Daoist figure holding a fan — a motif commonly seen in provincial Qing ceramic iconography.

The entire surface exhibits signs of age and usage, including authentic glaze contraction, mineral staining inside the rim, and firing tension along one handle. No restorations, no cracks. Original lid with perfect fit.

Provenance: from a European private collection, acquired mid-20th century.

Dimensions: height (with lid) 17.5 cm; max diameter 11.5 cm. Weight: 574 g (excluding wooden base, which is included in the lot).

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.

Declaration

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1142962

Description

An exceptional Chinese stoneware jar with original bird-head lid, dating to the Tongzhi–Guangxu period (mid-to-late 19th century).

“

Made in the Guangdong or Jiangxi region, this jar exemplifies the refined folk tradition of Southern Qing ceramics.

Gillers Antiques Ltd

fig 1. Rare Chinese Zoomorphic Stoneware Jar – Bird-Head Lid – Southern Kilns, Qing Dynasty c.1850–1890 — fig 1. Rare Chinese Zoomorphic Stoneware Jar – Bird-head Lid – Southern Kilns, Qing Dynasty C.1850–1890

The jar is of rounded ovoid form with a short neck and applied lug handles, covered in a warm ochre-toned high-fired glaze exhibiting deep, stable craquelure from natural oxidation. The glaze continues into the interior and underside, with clear firing scars from a traditional three-point support.

fig 2. Rare Chinese Zoomorphic Stoneware Jar – Bird-Head Lid – Southern Kilns, Qing Dynasty c.1850–1890 — fig 2. Rare Chinese Zoomorphic Stoneware Jar – Bird-head Lid – Southern Kilns, Qing Dynasty C.1850–1890

The lid is modelled in the form of a stylised bird's head with incised feather motifs, evoking ritual zoomorphic forms of earlier Chinese dynasties. Freehand iron-oxide brushwork decorates the surface with scrolling foliage and a seated Daoist figure holding a fan — a motif commonly seen in provincial Qing ceramic iconography.

fig 3. Rare Chinese Zoomorphic Stoneware Jar – Bird-Head Lid – Southern Kilns, Qing Dynasty c.1850–1890 — fig 3. Rare Chinese Zoomorphic Stoneware Jar – Bird-head Lid – Southern Kilns, Qing Dynasty C.1850–1890

The entire surface exhibits signs of age and usage, including authentic glaze contraction, mineral staining inside the rim, and firing tension along one handle. No restorations, no cracks. Original lid with perfect fit.

fig 4. Rare Chinese Zoomorphic Stoneware Jar – Bird-Head Lid – Southern Kilns, Qing Dynasty c.1850–1890 — fig 4. Rare Chinese Zoomorphic Stoneware Jar – Bird-head Lid – Southern Kilns, Qing Dynasty C.1850–1890

Provenance: from a European private collection, acquired mid-20th century.

Dimensions: height (with lid) 17.5 cm; max diameter 11.5 cm. Weight: 574 g (excluding wooden base, which is included in the lot).

fig 5. Rare Chinese Zoomorphic Stoneware Jar – Bird-Head Lid – Southern Kilns, Qing Dynasty c.1850–1890 — fig 5. Rare Chinese Zoomorphic Stoneware Jar – Bird-head Lid – Southern Kilns, Qing Dynasty C.1850–1890

Please study the accompanying photographs carefully as they form an integral part of this description. If you have any questions, we will be happy to answer them. The item will be shipped with full tracking and insurance. It is important to note that shipping costs include labour, packaging and postage.

Date of Manufacture

Gillers Antiques Ltd has dated this piece to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Ref

SA1142962

About the Dealer

Gillers Antiques Ltd

Sellingantiques verified Since Mar 2023

Dealer Profile

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