FOLIATED CUP, Hutian Ware / yingqing, pale celadon, Song Dynasty（960–1279CE）

This piece is a foliated cup crafted from pale celadon porcelain, known as Qingbai, produced at the Hutian kiln in Jiangxi Province during the Song Dynasty (10th to 13th centuries). The Hutian kiln, located on the outskirts of Jingdezhen, is renowned for its exceptional Qingbai wares, having produced numerous masterpieces throughout the Song and Yuan periods. This porcelain, coated with a transparent glaze, is referred to as "Yingqing" due to the way the glaze pools, allowing the patterns to emerge like shadows. Its delicate and clear hue resonates with the aesthetic sensibilities of the Song Dynasty.

The cup features a petal-shaped, undulating rim, and the thinly formed body is adorned with a uniform glaze that exhibits fine craquelure on the surface. The luminous pale blue glaze subtly shifts with the play of light, reflecting a serene landscape. The refined form and simple glaze, valued by the Song people, evoke a sense of delicate beauty akin to a single flower.

During the Song Dynasty, such vessels were utilized as wine cups, brush washers, or even as vases for single blooms, complementing the elegant lifestyle of literati. Although Qingbai porcelain was not exclusive to the imperial court, it was widely appreciated as a sophisticated everyday ware, fostering an appreciation for the seasonal charm and poetic sentiment encapsulated within the vessels.

This piece exhibits minor wear, craquelure, slight chipping to the foot, and discoloration of the glaze, all of which contribute to its quiet elegance, reflecting the passage of time. It is a fine example, close to being in complete condition.