PROVENANCE:
Private collection, Asia

The Yaozhou kiln first appeared in the Tang dynasty with various types of wares. Since the Five Dynasties Period, it began to focus on the production of celadons. Celadons, often in shades of pale blue, sometimes azure and light greenish blue as well, were once used in the imperial palace because of high-quality body and glaze. This lamp stand is extremely rare as most Yaozhou productions are in shapes of dishes and bowls, sometimes vases. Only Japan is recorded to obtain a ‘lion’ lamp stand, though the complete product has not been seen yet.

This stand is moulded with a perfectly proportional lion figure, covered with a lighter dark green glaze and sophisticated moulded patterns. The lion is depicted standing on a double-layered base supported by four legs, the body of the lion elaborately carved with distinct manes and facial features, the chest adorned with a necklace, the back covered with a blanket-shaped object. On the back rests a floral object connecting the foliate-rim lamp stand which is moulded with floral patterns in the center of the interior and stem patterns around. This lamp stand is delicate and detail-oriented. Though it has rim chips, it is still considered rare and valuable.