1980s Chinese Jun Ware [Song Dyn Rep.] Flambe / Sang de Boeuf Glaze Baluster and Gourd Ceramic Vases

THE ITEM
Presenting two very special pieces from Henan in the heart of China; widely regarded as the Cradle of Chinese civilization (along with Shanxi and Shaanxi provinces).

The gourd form vase is by Chinese master ceramist Wēn Wǔyī and the baluster form is by the HuaYu Kiln, who represents the Song Dynasty Guan Kiln and Enamel Research Institute.

These two pieces are reproductions of what is known as 鈞窯 or 'Jun Ware', a type of chinese pottery which experts will commonly date to the Song dynasty (960 - 1269 ad.). Genuine Jun ware has been and continues to be highly collectable but expensive. At an auction at Christie's New York in 2016, prices included USD 52,500 for a small blue bowl, USD 112,500 for a blue plate splashed with purple, and USD 389,000 for a round official Jun "jardinière.

The wares are stoneware in terms of Western classification, and "high-fired" or porcelain in Chinese terms (where the class of stoneware is not generally recognised). The Jun glaze is a complex glaze which included blue-grey, sky-blue, moon-white, red and purple, the most prized have crimson or purple splashes, and so these two pieces are representations of this. The Flambé glaze, a transmutation of the Jun glaze has been made famous in more modern days times by Royal Doulton and was revived by Bernard Moore (1850-1935, England) at the turn of the 20th century.

CONDITION
The condition is excellent for both vases, no chips, cracks or scratches - there is minimal natural crazing, which is commensurable with age of the piece - please see photos as part of condition report.

MEASUREMENTS
Gourd Vase: c. 8.5" / 21 cm and c. 5.1" / 13 cm width (across body's widest point). Base diameter c. 2.7" / 7 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 920 g / 0.9 kg
Baluster Vase: c. 8.7" / 22 cm and c. 4.3" / 11 cm width (across body's widest point). Base diameter c. 3" / 7.5 cm. Unpackaged weight: c. 680 g / 0.7 kg

NOTES
Vase(s) will be securely packaged and shipping will be insured.
Shipping will be combined for multiple items.

A BIT OF HISTORY
The Gourd vase
This piece was designed and created by a celebrated Chinese master ceramist Wēn Wǔyī and his mark, 'Wǔyī Kiln' is stamped to the base of this vase. Wǔyī uses the natural Kaolin clay of Shén hòu zhèn, the town in Henan as well as the Jun glaze firing techniques. In a literal translation from Chinese: "The glaze is like a Chinese ink painting, with drifts of cloud and mist, entwining the infinite thoughts of the viewer." And indeed, the pale blue glaze with the splashes of purple to red is like a view across misted mountains as the day turns into deeper evening.

The Baluster vase
This piece was created by the Huayu Kiln, a pottery who specialises in the development of the Song Dynasty glazes, and the 'natural kiln transformation effect' - otherwise known as the Jun glaze firing technique. The Jun glaze of this piece also bears the opalescent pale blue glaze, however, there is more emphasis on the red tones towards the base. There is also greater distinction in the separation between the splashes of purple and red, and the glaze is more led by the oxblood red tones.
Huayu Kiln has reproduced many of the Chinese 'national treasures' pieces, particularly 'guan yáo' pieces which back in ancient times, could only be owned by the government official classes. The pottery has won numerous national awards for their glaze innovation and 'kiln art' (ceramic art) work.