Ruminations on a Celadon Plate

Celadon for me is a special class of antique ceramics. I find them extra special and desirable. Of course having Ming vases and Qing ceramics are the epitome of collecting, Celadons on the other hand are more accessible, more pedestrian, more humble. But from my readings, their prices are not humble at all.  They are fast becoming, or rather, is already the darling of Chinese export wares here in South East Asia.

These Northern and Southern Song dynasty and Yuan dynasty wares reflect the rich trading history between China and the surrounding Southeast Asian Kingdoms.  This is the main reason why there are a lot of specimens found among the grave pottery here in the Philippines and Indonesia. (Thank our ancestors' practice of burying everything along with their dead.)

This nice little plate was first seen in the same curio cabinet case (a.k.a. platera) as those of the previous entries.  From my research, it is similar to Longquan celadon from the late Yuan dynasty probably 14th -15th century. It has the same lotus-designed incise marks and the same olive green color.  I was thankful that apart from minor surface scratches, this was a perfect specimen.  Although not as heavily designed as those seen in more expensive Celadons, this one for me is perfect- it's cheap and in excellent condition.

More examples of Longquan celadon ware can be seen at the Koh Antique Site.

Acquired for: $19-
Happy Antiquing!