Antique Rare 5pc Piece Stoneware Altar Set, Shiwan Kiln, China (16901BLKE) SPECIAL PRICE

Description

This 5-piece apple green glazed stoneware home altar set includes a central large censor flanked by rising pairs of candlestick holders and vases. These folk art ceramics were made at the Shiwan kilns in a small town near Foshan City in Guangdong Province where renowned, popular and well modeled pieces with vivid expression and colorful glazes have been made since the 17th century. Unlike imperial kilns, these pieces were made by modest artisans using coarse locally and recycled items to produce unique and beautiful pieces for rural populations. The censer is itself a symbol of happiness and longevity. The a fu lion sits on the lid and the legs are of fu lion paws. Coordinated with similar decorative and structural schemes, they are divided into three sections. Each sits on 4-legged pedestal base that rises to a bulbous orb with floral designs and vegetal sprays and the ends above in an open square or rectangular top. The censer holds joss sticks and is fashioned after an ancient bronze vessel prototype with outward leaning handles, two decorative panels on each side and taotieh (taotie) images on the sides. Used on early bronzes, a taotie is mythical head of an gluttonous beast with bulging eyes and an open mouth. The censer has lion shaped legs and a lion stands atop the pierced cover. Lions symbolize superhuman strength, valor and energy, and pairs guard the Buddha, Buddhism, temples, government buildings and the homes of the rich. Each piece has similar green glazes, decorative and structural designs and intricate and well-proportioned silhouettes. The vases and candle holders have the same design each side in low relief with patterns that mirror and complement each other. The smooth background and rounded soft corners contribute to their elegance and grace. The iconography and symbols are wishes for the Five Blessings. Vases are a symbol of peace and, as they are said to contain the elixir of life, they are symbols of fulfillment of all of one’s wishes. This rare set can be purchased as a whole, and it priced lower than the prices of the separate components. However, you may purchase the components separately. The censor is 16901C-CLE, the candlestick holder pair is 16901CH-CEM and pair of vases is 16901V-CEM.