Shiwan has been an important ceramic center since the Song and, unlike
imperial and large independent kilns, potters were modest craftsmen who transformed common materials into beautiful and colorful stoneware using waste materials, local coarse sand and inexpensive clay to produce daily utensils and pottery – perhaps one of the earliest artistic forms of recycling. Long “dragon kilns” from the late Ming and until 1949 were used and rarely cooled down properly to save money for upkeep resulting in uneven heating conditions that produced unique colors with tiny “sesame dot” markings that add to its unique charm. Many items produced during the late 19-early 20th century had a characteristic apple green glaze. See VA blog The Allure of Shiwan. Pottery.
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5-sided Shiwan glazed stoneware pillow with slanted top, used for smoking opium. The cool shell cradled the users’ heads and necks and hollow inside stored valuables. A candle placed inside emits a shadowy coin appealed to those in an opium state.
Shiwan 2 part chopsticks holder with top holes for hanging and bottom ones for drainage. Chopsticks were wedding gifts from mothers to daughters with auspicious wishes: sons as soon as possible, blessing for prosperity, happiness and fertility, life-giving rain and abundance.
Apple green glazed teapot typical of Shiwan kiln pottery known for its brilliant flambé glazes in the 18-19th century. Hexagonal shape with yoked rounded handle with spiral decorations that adds a decorative touch.
Shiwan stoneware peaches and lotuses on footed bowl auspicious symbols associated with springtime, fertility, long healthy life for many generations and therefore are propitious gifts for birthdays, especially for the elderly.
Shiwan stoneware glazed sculptures of fruit symbolizing life and new beginnings to place on temple or home altar. They augment plates of fresh stacked fresh fruit to honor ancestors. These pears symbolize long life.
Wall pockets remain a very common decorative element in Asian homes. In China, they are used to hold chopsticks and flowers to bring good fortune to a space where the family gathers. This Shiwan stoneware pocket has 2 very auspicious symbols: a frog and a lotus that symbolize nurturing energy and transformation. With a hole in the back for hanging on a wall, it is great addition to enhance a kitchen’s coziness and feng shui and a wonderful wedding gift.
Decorative utilitarian Shiwan ware pieces are recognized for their fine modeling, vivid expression, and colorful apple-green and drip glazes. Chopsticks were commonly stored in wall pockets with a hole for mounting. Covered with auspicious symbols, they were often part of a bride’s dowry as “chopsticks” is a pun for “speedy arrival of sons.” It can hold utensils, dried flowers, and other objects and is a unique wedding gift.
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