Rare Liao/Jin Dynasty Celadon "Dragon" Olive-Shaped Vase
Northern Chinese Kiln | 11th–13th Century
Dimensions: 7.5"W x 7.5"D x 13.5"H (19.05cm * 19.05cm * 34.29cm)
he Soul of the Steppe
This extraordinary olive-shaped vase (Ganlanping) is a masterpiece of Northern Chinese ceramic art, embodying the fusion of Central Plain craftsmanship and the bold aesthetic of the Liao (Khitan) and Jin (Jurchen) cultures.
Artistic & Technical Highlights
Form: A classic "Olive" silhouette featuring a flared mouth, short neck, and a powerful, tapering body resting on a neat ring foot.
Glaze: Cloaked in a deep, soulful olive-green glaze with a subtle, misty opacity and an understated, inner luster typical of Northern celadons.
The "Half-Knife" Technique: The dragon is rendered using the vigorous "Half-Knife" (Bandanni) carving technique. Each stroke is deep and fluid, creating a striking three-dimensional relief.
The Liao Dragon: Unlike the elegant dragons of the Song or the ornate dragons of the Qing, this dragon possesses a primordial ferocity. It features a short head, wide-set eyes, and exposed fangs. Most notably, the powerful, eagle-like claws with distinct webbing are a definitive hallmark of Liao Dynasty (907–1125) iconography.
Collector’s Note
The exposed buff-grey stoneware body at the base reveals a fine, well-potted texture. This piece is not merely a vessel but a cultural bridge—a rare survivor representing the untamed strength and sophisticated artistry of the Northern nomadic empires.
Specifications
Period: Liao to Jin Dynasty (11th–13th Century).
Technique: Deep-carved (Incised/Carved) "Half-Knife" decoration.
Motif: Ferocious Mythical Dragon.
Condition: Exceptional historical preservation.
Rare Liao/Jin Dynasty Celadon "Dragon" Olive-Shaped Vase
Dimensions: 7.5"W x 7.5"D x 13.5"H (19.05cm * 19.05cm * 34.29cm)