Mid-20th Century Yixing Zisha Pottery, Chinese Hexagonal, Glazed, Terracotta Planter

Details

Description

This vintage item is a Chinese glazed terracotta planter, often identified as mid-century modern or from the mid-20th century. Similar … Read more This vintage item is a Chinese glazed terracotta planter, often identified as mid-century modern or from the mid-20th century. Similar pieces are also referred to as Yixing Zisha pottery, specifically those featuring relief decorations of flowers and birds.
Key Characteristics
Design: These planters are typically hexagonal in shape and adorned with hand-painted or applied raised floral motifs.
Material: They are made from glazed terracotta or stoneware, sometimes featuring a warm glaze with an aged patina.
Function: While decorative, they are primarily used as bonsai or cache pots, typically including drainage holes at the base.
Variations and Market Values
Age: Examples range from the late Qing dynasty and early Republican period to the 1970s–80s.
Form and Structure
Shape: The vessel features a hexagonal (six-sided) body that tapers slightly toward the base. This angular geometry is a classic "facet-sided" design frequently found in Chinese stoneware.
Base: It rests on integral lobed feet, which elevate the pot to allow for air circulation and water drainage.
Drainage: The underside reveals large, pre-drilled drainage holes, confirming its primary purpose as a functional planter for bonsai or other container-grown plants.
Decorative Elements
Relief Motifs: The most prominent feature is the raised relief (slip-decorated) ornamentation. The sides are adorned with hand-applied or molded floral sprays, likely depicting traditional subjects like peonies or chrysanthemums.
Geometric Border: The lower section of the pot is encircled by a stylized ruyi or "cloud" border, a common motif in Chinese art representing good fortune and longevity.
Glaze and Color: The body is covered in a deep espresso or chocolate-brown glaze. The raised decorations are highlighted in contrasting earth tones—primarily mustard yellow and pale olive green—which provide a three-dimensional effect against the dark background.
Material and Patina
Composition: It is crafted from a heavy, coarse-grained terracotta or stoneware. The interior and the very bottom of the feet are typically left unglazed, showing the natural reddish-brown color of the clay.
Condition: The visible aged patina and minor glaze imperfections are characteristic of mid-century "New Old Stock" or gently used vintage pieces See less