An Exquisite Chinese Qingbai Glazed Turtle-Form Covered Box, Song dynasty 1-1/2 x 3-1/2 x 2-3/8 inches (3.8 x 8.9 x 6.0 cm) PROVENANCE: Property from the Collection of Taiwan Wang Zhao Lou 望曌楼. The box molded in the form of a turtle, with a cylinder centering the interior, possibly used as a small brush washer or small inkwell, the back intricately molded with hexagonal motif to mimic turtle shell. The vessel covered in an even light celadon glaze throughout. Qingbai ware, a type of porcelain produced during the Song dynasty (960–1279), is known for its delicate, translucent bluish-white glaze that exudes an ethereal elegancy, influencing later celadon and white porcelain traditions. This particular Qingbai glazed turtle-form covered box, possibly used as an ink palette, is a striking example of the ware's ingenuity in merging functionality with artistic charm. The turtle is rendered with a softly molded shell covered in this even and light white glaze, enhancing its organic appeal by revealing the intricate molding underneath the glaze. The box's delicate craftsmanship and smooth, almost jade-like finish reflect the refined aesthetic of the Song period, where scholars and literati treasured such pieces for their beauty and practical use in daily life. Scholars since Sui and Tang dynasty have been keen on incorporating turtle-form scholar's objects into their daily practice, as it's seen as the symbol of longevity and unlimited wisdom. Similar examples of scholar's objects were displayed in the Metropolitan Museum of Arts, New York, and Ashmolean Museum, Oxford. HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved www.HA.com/TexasAuctioneerLicenseNotice