Green-glazed Candleholder (Sui Dynasty)Height: 17.4 cm, Mouth Diameter: 5.4 cm.
Collection of the Hunan Museum.
Detailed Description and Characteristics
- Dimensions: Height 17.4 cm, mouth diameter 5.4 cm. This size indicates it was a relatively delicate indoor utensil, suitable for placement on a desk or table.
- Shape: Typical of candleholders from the Sui Dynasty, it consists of three parts:
- Base: Usually shaped like an inverted plate or shallow bowl, broad and stable to ensure the candleholder stands firmly.
- Pillar: A slender pillar connects the base and the oil tray. The middle of the pillar often features one or multiple raised bow-string patterns as decoration, enhancing its elegant and graceful appearance.
- Oil Tray: The top is a small shallow tray used to catch dripping wax from the burning candle while also securing the candle in place.
- Glaze Color: The celadon glaze was the mainstream glaze color for Sui Dynasty ceramics. The glaze color of this candleholder likely belongs to the southern celadon system, possibly exhibiting shades of bluish-green, greenish-yellow, or artemisia green. The glaze layer is typically thin and even, with a warm luster and a relatively strong glass-like texture, though it may exhibit fine crackles. Due to the not yet fully mature glaze application techniques of the time, the glaze surface might show signs of dripping or unevenness, and the base is often left unglazed.
- Craftsmanship: It was formed using wheel throwing, resulting in neat and regular craftsmanship. The body may be slightly thick and heavy, with a grayish-white or light red clay color.
