Antique Celadon Plates: A History of Celadon

Sotheby’s, one of the leading auction houses in the art world today has their own selections of ancient celadon ceramics which have been selling for handsome prices. 

A recent Longquan Celadon Moulded Dish that dated back to both the Yuan and Early Ming Dynasty has sold at Sotheby’s for 1,890 GBP ($3445 SGD) punching just around it’s estimated lot that predicted it to sell between 1,500 to 2,500 GBP.

The moulded plate pictured below, measuring 34.5cm in diameter, is now property of a Private German Collection. The condition report noted that “the dish has some light rubbing to the glaze and glaze scratches predominantly to the interior”, but was generally in fine condition. 

The History of Longquan Celadon

The Longquan area's kilns have been in operation for over a millennium. Starting with Yue and Ou kiln techniques and styles, the area's kilns gradually embraced northern approaches and, by the beginning to the middle of the Northern Song dynasty (960–1127), had evolved a distinct aesthetic; the manufacturing hub was dubbed the Longquan kilns. These kilns were at the forefront of domestic Chinese celadon manufacture for common and imperial usage until the mid-Ming dynasty, when production dwindled. Longquan kilns were influenced by celadon-glaze techniques established in Jingdezhen in the late Ming period, and the glazes were given a more translucent quality. Since the 1950s, Longquan celadon production has been reinvigorated with new technologies and scientific approaches.

Longquan Celadon: A Chinese National Treasure

The imperial court employed the kilns at Longquan as a key source for porcelain from the end of the Northern Song to the early Ming, issuing orders with specific requirements for vessels intended for national sacrificial rites or everyday activities. Longquan celadon had matching shapes and motifs to Jingdezhen celadon during the Yuan and Ming dynasties, indicating that the Longquan kilns remained under the imperial court's supervision and management. The palace's technical knowledge and artisanship boosted the area's production on a grand scale when an imperial kiln was created at Longquan in the early Ming.

Longquan’s Celadon’s Global Popularity

Longquan celadon, which represents Chinese ceramics from the Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties, reached the pinnacle of popularity in China and around the world. These goods also represent the technique and culture of Chinese ceramics, which became the gold standard for imitations all over the world. With Longquan celadon as one of the most important products traded internationally, China's export of ceramics has historically been a major source of revenue, stimulating the division of labour throughout society and in various regions while also bringing China's ceramics and the global economy together. Longquan celadon, which is found all over the world, led the world in the development of ceramic manufacture and cultural exchange, and was dubbed "Longquan of the World" because of its importance in early globalization.

Real Celadon Antiques available at Jade Celadon

At Jade Celadon, we have a range of celadon items for homeware, decor, dining-ware and tea-ware. As well as contemporary alternatives to antiques, we also do house some real authentic antique pieces from the Ming and Song dynasty periods. All available for those who would adore an authentic piece of heritage, culture and history in their home. 

One of our product selections includes decorative plates that come in a range of sizes, colours and styles. These sorts of plates are usually used for decor as opposed to dining, although we also have options for dining-ware too.

Presenting our real 19th century antique Double Koi Prosperity Plate, in Olive-green and measuring 38cm in diameter. The 19th Century Celadon Barbed Longquan Stoneware Dish was made in the Ming style, and is decorated with a lotus, double kois, foliage and vines.

The carved drawing depicts a small group of canoodling koi fish, who are typically believed to be bearers of good luck and prosperity. The lotus flower is always a significant symbol in Chinese art as the flower represents a bridging between heaven and earth. The added details of fauna and foliage are done in a way that evokes a sense of fluidity, movement and aliveness in the image. Though there are rustic elements in terms of form and style, the thick glaze that is applied on top finishes the piece wonderfully with luxurious finesse, even after a near century. The plate is in good condition and available for in-person viewing.