Qingbai Glazed Chinese Phoenix Ewer

A Chinese phoenix head ewer, possibly Song Dynasty (960-1279), the high-fired stoneware ewer covered overall with a translucent qingbai glaze, that is light grey buff in colour, the body with applied handle and spout. The phoenix head with rounded beak and details incised, one incised band to the body, three raised rings on the neck, with an unglazed base, 7.68 in. high. Provenance: grandfather of the current owner was a naval officer who travelled to Burma, Borneo and East Africa and purchased this item during his posting in Burma. Reference: for two very similarly potted examples from the tenth century, a ewer and a bottle, please refer to Southeast Asian Ceramics Society, Chinese Celadons and other related wares in Southeast Asia, Singapore, 1979, pp.122-123, figs.28 && 29, and please see also: Sotheby's, 'song Tradition: early Ceramics from the Yang de Tang collection, New York 17 March 2013, Lot 67. Catalogue note: There is archaeological evidence to support that there had been an early agreement made, between china and Burma from the song Dynasty through to and including the Ming dynasty, which had allowed for extensive trade between merchants.

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Incised - A record of a name, date or inscription, or a decoration scratched into a surface, usually of a glass or ceramic item with a blunt instrument to make a coarse indentation. Compare with engraving where the surface is cut with a sharp instrument such as a metal needle or rotating tool to achieve a fine indentation.
Ewer / Pitcher - A type of jug with a narrow neck bulbous body and wide spout, originally used for carrying and storing liquids such as water or wine. In medieval times they were the source of water to wash ones hands during and after a meal. later the shape was used for vessels in silver, gold, glass and ceramics.

In Victorian times they were made in ceramics and occasionally glass with a matching basin, and sometimes other accessories such as a soap holder or toothbrush holder. Their purpose was to provide facilities for personal washing In the early 19th century were often enclosed in purpose built stands, and later resided on a washstand..

Sometimes the words "ewer" and "pitcher" are used interchangably, but a pitcher is generally considered to be a jug, and would have a wide mouth, and a gently tapering body.
Song Dynasty - The Song Dynasty was a ruling dynasty in China from 960 to 1279 AD. It was divided into two periods, the Northern Song (960–1127) and the Southern Song (1127–1279). The emperor was the ultimate authority, but he relied on officials who were selected based on their merit and skills rather than their family background or social status. The Song Dynasty was a period of great artistic and cultural achievements, particularly in the areas of poetry, painting, and calligraphy. The Chinese invented the printing press during this period, which revolutionized the spread of knowledge and ideas. During the Song Dynasty, China had a prosperous economy and was a centre of international trade, particularly in luxury goods such as silk, tea, and porcelain. The use of paper money became more widespread during this period, facilitating commerce and trade.
Ming Dynasty - The Ming Dynasty was a ruling dynasty of China from 1368 to 1644. It succeeded the Yuan Dynasty and preceded the Qing Dynasty. The Ming Dynasty was established by Zhu Yuanzhang, a former Buddhist monk who became a rebel leader and eventually overthrew the Mongol Yuan Dynasty. During the Ming Dynasty, China experienced a period of relative stability and prosperity. The government was centralized and bureaucratic, with the emperor at the top of the hierarchy. The Ming Dynasty is known for its cultural achievements, including the development of porcelain, the invention of movable type printing, and the construction of the Great Wall of China.

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