A Duo of Chinese Brownwares

 

 A few weeks ago, I spotted a couple of Chinese brownwares in a non-descript antique store here in my city.  I knew they were exhibited in a group show a few months back because I recognized them quite easily.  I guess they were not fast movers as compared to modern reproductions and Ming Blue and White wares.  These were more humble in form but contemporary in bearing.  Having blue and whites are great, but they exude an atmosphere of past generations meaning it’s kind of old school and “la Buena familia”.  Don’t get me wrong, I love Ming blue and white export ware, except having so many would make your house look like an old spinster’s closet.  As for brown ware, these have a utilitarian appeal.  Monochromatic in palette, simple in design and yet collecting these would make any kitchen or sala (living or receiving room) look contemporary.  If you have an apartment, they would look stunning especially if you have a grouping of small pieces be they jarlets, bowls or kendis.  However, if you want a more sophisticated but muted effect, I would suggest you delve into Celadon wares.

 I worked out a deal with the owner and after receiving discounts I was able to take home these two items.  The jar in question is small brown-glazed artifact, with a rounded rim, with four lugs on the jar’s shoulder.  The body is of course grey stoneware and the bottom is flat and unglazed.   It came from Southern China, probably Guangdong region during the Ming dynasty.  A lot of similar jars were manufactured from that area.  

The second is a brown-glazed covered box which, according to Locsin*, “has decorative patterns traced out with raised lines within an unglazed circular area on the cover.”  He added, “The effect was probably achieved by pressing a mold onto the unfired body.  The bodies are a coarse, buff-colored material.  Decorative motifs vary- phoenix, peony, horse chestnut, chrysanthemum, or geometric patterns.”  It’s nicely done even though there’s a roughness to it.  There’s a chip on the lower lip so I got a big discount.

  

Upon arriving home, I opened my platera of ceramics and placed these two special items onto their permanent positions.  And felt that all is well with the world.

* Leandro V. Locsin, Cecilia Y. Locsin. Oriental Ceramics Discovered in the Philippines. Charles E. Tuttle, 1967