19th Century Large Chinese Cizhou-Type Tiger Statues - Set of 2

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Two very rare large antique Chinese Cizhou-type stoneware figures of squatting tigers on pedestals, the creatures displaying ferocious yet vivid … Read more Two very rare large antique Chinese Cizhou-type stoneware figures of squatting tigers on pedestals, the creatures displaying ferocious yet vivid expressions, overall painted in dark brown on a clear glaze above straw-white ground, the rectangular tall pedestals incised with freehand peony patterns, unglazed base and interior of the pedestals revealing the coarse buff clay, Qing Dynasty, 19th century, in overall good condition with some firing flaws and imperfections, surface wear, discoloration and dirt commensurate with the age and use, former private Rhode Island collection
8 3/4 in. wide, 15 in. deep, 19 in. high

The tiger known as the king of the beasts (or king of the jungle) throughout Chinese culture symbolizes strength, power, courage, and ambition. The animal represents a symbolic release of fears and standing for truth, justice, and integrity. The third animal in the Chinese zodiac is the tiger.

Cizhou wares are characterized by black painted decoration on usually coarse buff or grayish white body, thick and heavy bodies with relatively coarse surfaces covered with a white slip or a clear glaze. The decoration could be painted, incised or cut through the glaze, alone or in combination highlighted in black, white, green, or brown on a monochrome ground. Cizhou wares was produced mainly in northern China north of the Yellow River in present Henan, Hebei, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Shandong and Ganshu provinces during the Song dynasty. The center was kilns in Cixian and Pengcheng in southern Hebei, which flourished and spread during the Song-Jin period and the Ming dynasty. Later on the production continued even in the far south and has never actually ceased. Cizhou Ware was produced for daily use and the shapes met with are therefore mostly jars, basins, pots, bowls, pillows and other domestic utensils. See less