這類器物應該嚴謹的斷代應該是隋唐，參考常盤山文庫《初期白瓷》的斷定，在白瓷的第一階段的安陽小屯墓村北YM243墓中有同款出現，可以定為隋代。這類直至初唐都有製作，造型優美，三環足影響了唐代三彩同類器型的發展。
This type of vessel should be dated to the Sui and Tang dynasties, as determined by the Tokiwayama Bunko's ‘Early White Porcelain,’ where the same type is found in tomb YM243 in the village of Xiaotun, Anyang, during the first phase of the white porcelain era, which can be dated to the Sui dynasty.
This type was produced up to the early Tang dynasty, and is beautifully modelled, with the three-ringed foot influencing the development of similar types of three-colour wares in the Tang dynasty.
6.「河南省安阳市小屯村北YM243号墓」
隋至唐初 白瓷三環足盤
此拍品經熱釋光測定，結果與斷代吻合（牛津大學，測試編號：P208c59）此類白瓷三環足盤甚為珍罕，美國哈佛藝術博物館藏一類例，盤承五白瓷盃，館藏編號2006.170.242.1-6。
玫茵堂亦藏一較小例，圖載於康蕊君，《玫茵堂藏中國陶瓷》，卷1，倫敦，1994年，圖版201。
A Rare Transparent-Glazed White Stoneware Tripod Dish, Sui - Early Tang Dynasty
potted with shallow flaring sides resting on three ring feet, applied with a finely crackled transparent glaze pooling to a pale celadon tint along the interior rim and around the feet, the flat base with a circular area left unglazed revealing the creamy white body, Japanese wood box
27.3 cm
HK$ 800,000-2,000,000
US$ 103,000-257,000
The dating of this lot is consistent with the result of a thermoluminescence test, Oxford Authentication Ltd, no.
P208c69.
Trays of this type with three ring-shaped feet are very rare.
A similar example can be found in the Harvard Art Museums, completed as a set together with five cups, accession no. 2006.170.242.1-6; and a slightly smaller tripod (23.5 cm) in the Meiyintang Collection, illustrated in Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics From The Meiyintang Collection, vol. 1, London, 1994, pl. 201.
哈佛大學藝術博物館三環足盤成套
2006.170.242.6: Circular tray with three ring-form feet
Object Number
2006.170.242.1-6
Title
Circular tray with three ring-form-feet and five cups
Other Titles
Original Language Title: 隋至唐 白瓷三環足盤和五杯
Date
late 6th-early 7th century
Places
Creation Place: East Asia, China
Period
Sui (581-618) to Tang (618-907) dynasty
Medium
White stoneware with transparent glaze tinged with green
Technique
White ware
Dimensions
tray: H. 5.8 x Diam. 25.8 cm (2 5/16 x 10 3/16 in.)
cups: H. 7.4 x Diam. 8.9 cm (2 15/16 x 3 1/2 in.)
Provenance
Recorded Ownership History
[Blitz Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art, Amsterdam, December 1999] sold; to Walter C. Sedgwick Foundation, Woodside, CA (1999-2006), partial gift; to Harvard University Art Museums, 2006.
Description
Five matching cups, each with wide, rimless mouth and sides tapering inward to small, slightly splayed circular foot; large circular tray with short, gently rounded sides and three ring-form feet attached to the base at equidistant intervals; white porcelain with transparent glaze tinged with pale celadon green; bases of cups unglazed and each marked with the ideograph 波 (bo) brushed in red ink on the base after firing; the center of the tray base unglazed. From northern China; Hebei or Henan province.
Commentary
Compare to:
Very similar white ware set of cups on a circular tray attributed to the Sui-Tang period (7th century) published in Sekai toji zenshu [Ceramic Art of the World], vol. 11 [Sui and Tang Dynasties] (Tokyo: Shogakukan, 1976), 36-37, figs. 22-24.
秦峰男 / Hata
二十年前在大阪古董街區老松町，是我人生中第一次遇見秦峰男。當時，在他別緻的藝廊內，擺滿了佛教殘像、古代瓷器和各色各樣的骨董，而我和他則坐在一樓的茶室，身旁是他全部家人，我們喝茶品茗，如此便開展了一段在過去二十年讓我津津樂道的交情。除了雅器珍品之外，秦先生對於展示傑作收藏同樣不乏意興，這份博物識珍的能力讓他保持敏銳眼光，好奇而不流於俗。
不久，我和同事瀬谷瑞香獲邀到神戶附近古色古香的蘆屋市，在秦峰男家中作客，他和幾位兒子多年來便是在家中檐廊的和煦日光下，讓我們鑑賞一件又一件的中國藝術瑰寶。這些藏品多半 是十五世紀初宮廷藝術上乘佳作，極其珍罕。至今，明初依然被認為是藝術發展上輝煌盛世之一，王朝的崛起為藝作貫注源源的生命力，在皇室的大力支持下，豐碩結晶。
2010年，有一次我們拜訪蘆屋時，秦峰男向我們展示一件精緻典雅的明代永樂青花執壺，壺身兩面飾以如意開光串枝蓮紋，設計難得一見。此青花壺乃工業家兼松下電器創辦人松下幸之助舊藏，他當時是透過著名古董老字號繭山龍泉堂購入的。
現存已知的類例寥寥無幾，包括伊斯坦堡托普卡比宮殿鄂圖曼帝國蘇丹藏品，以及德黑蘭阿德比爾聖殿薩法菲國王舊藏兩件。先生隨後帶我們參觀所居，走到他的室外停車坪，一對略顯違和卻極為莊嚴的宮廷大理石獅子巍然矗立。獅子代表著力量和安全，也象徵了王朝的權力，置於門前，鎮守家宅，在形上和形下的世界提供保護。
一年後，我們又有幸在秦宅看到一個尺寸 碩大的明初剔紅漆盒，蓋上滿雕蓮花綻放，精細入微，繁茂瓣葉融入輕柔 如絹、溫潤含蓄的漆紅光澤中。永宣年間，漆盒乃最受歡迎的宮廷雕漆品類之一，但大多數已知存世例子尺寸較小，與此盒尺寸紋飾均相似者，僅止一例，現為 台北故宮典藏。
日本古董商的拍賣一直不對外開放，在這個密不透風的保密平台上，偶有珍罕至極之品。我同事瀬谷瑞香總是會密切留意風聲，因此，2014年初當一件青花梅瓶以相當於200萬美元成交時，她很快便告訴我有關秦峰男成功投得梅瓶的傳言。幾天後，我便在蘆屋的小檐廊上， 欣賞著我見過保存最佳、畫工最妙的瑞果紋梅瓶，其優美線條和細膩釉面都叫人讚嘆不已。此式梅瓶造型勻稱、果紋豐碩，自成典範，啟發往後數百年的藝匠巧思。
至於我手上接觸過最讓人著迷的明代青花瓷器，依然是這件雅緻細膩的青花盌，其鈷青發色絢麗，妙寫魚兒荷塘暢游，水草翩翩起伏，菱花盌形巧妙地讓人產生錯覺，看來仿若在水底輕柔擺動。鈷藍青料的運用出神入化，無與倫比，深淺發色的層次豐富，荷葉上有留白的葉脈紋理，在荷葉沿邊更見黑疵點綴， 栩栩如生。自1960年代初以來，此盌在日本名聞遐邇，曾經成為許多著名刊物和展覽的主角，最後落入秦峰男的手中。2017 年此盌在蘇富比上拍，經過連番激烈競價 後，以打破青花瓷器世界紀錄的價格成交。
自二十世紀初以來，早期佛教造像在日本 一直備受青睞。2023年蘇富比慶祝踏足亞洲五十年之際，秦先生委託我們獻呈一尊石灰岩雕寶冠佛首，尺寸碩大，工藝超卓，展現大唐武后當政期間，國都長安(現陝西西安)獨特的朝廷雕刻風格。河南省龍門石窟擂鼓台南洞有一圓雕近例，約造於公元700年。雕像佛相風格獨特，卻與蘇富比過去十年拍賣過的兩尊夾紵乾漆佛首臉容有類同之處，眉若刀裁，五觀皆以銳利凹槽框之，強調佛容氣勢。
適逢蘇富比於中環置地遮打舉行首季拍賣，我們很榮幸獲秦峰男先生委託，呈獻他數十年來集美聚珍之果，包括早期瓷器、造像、青銅和漆器。其中包括一件極為罕見、甚至獨一無二的中國漆藝傑作。 黑漆嵌螺鈿蓋盒尺寸碩大，上綴魚龍逐珠，環飾水波瀲灧，窮妙極巧。龍紋乃至纏枝花卉皆體現了南宋時期的高雅韻致。
是次精彩拍賣把秦峰男的敏銳眼光及其品藝人生娓娓道來，相信必然讓一眾藝文雅士藏家欣喜期待。
仇國仕 蘇富比亞洲區主席 亞洲藝術部主席兼環球主管
Mineo Hata Collection FAQ
What is significant about the Mineo Hata Collection being offered at Sotheby's?
The Mineo Hata Collection is significant for several reasons. First, it represents decades of careful acquisitions by a discerning collector, Mineo Hata. Second, the collection spans various categories of Chinese art, including early ceramics, sculptures, bronzes, and lacquerware. Lastly, it contains several museum-quality pieces, some of which are exceptionally rare or even unique.
What is an example of a rare Ming Dynasty piece in the collection?
One standout piece is a blue and white ewer from the Yongle period, adorned with a rare design of scrolling lotus framed by ruyi-shaped cartouches. This ewer was previously owned by Konosuke Matsushita, the founder of Panasonic, and has only a few known counterparts, including one at the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul and two at the Ardebil Shrine in Tehran.
What is notable about the Ming Dynasty blue and white meiping acquired by Mineo Hata?
The blue and white meiping, acquired at a Japanese dealer's auction in 2014, is considered one of the most pristine and well-painted examples of its kind. Its delicate potting, smooth glaze, and lush fruit pattern set a standard that influenced ceramic artistry for centuries.
What makes the blue and white bowl from the Mineo Hata Collection so exceptional?
The blue and white bowl stands out for its masterful painting depicting fish swimming among lotus flowers and water weeds. The dynamic composition and skillful use of cobalt blue create a mesmerizing illusion of underwater movement. This bowl broke a world record for blue and white porcelain at a Sotheby's auction in 2017.
What is the historical significance of the pair of imperial marble Fu lions in the Mineo Hata Collection?
The pair of Fu lions represents strength, security, and the power of the empire. These majestic creatures were typically placed at main gates as guardians to provide protection in both the spiritual and physical realms.
What is unique about the cinnabar lacquer box in the collection?
The cinnabar lacquer box is notable for its unusually large size and elaborate decoration of lotus blooms rendered in meticulous detail. While boxes were popular items produced for the imperial court during the Yongle and Xuande reigns, most surviving examples are much smaller. A similarly sized and decorated box is found only in the collection of the Taipei Palace Museum.
What can be said about the stone head of Vairocana Buddha from the collection?
The monumental stone head of Vairocana Buddha is exceptional for both its size and the magnificent quality of its carving. It exemplifies the Tang metropolitan style prevalent in the capital Chang’an during Empress Wu’s reign. This style is characterized by sharp, well-defined features, and a similar example can be found in the Longmen cave temples in Henan province.
What is the most unique piece in the Mineo Hata Collection being offered at Sotheby's?
Perhaps the most unique piece in the collection is a large circular box showcasing the intricate art of Chinese lacquer. Inlaid with iridescent nacre against a black lacquer background, the box features a striking dragon design amidst a border of stylized waves. The dragon and flower scroll motifs embody the refined aesthetic of the Southern Song Dynasty, making this piece an exceedingly rare, if not unique, masterpiece.
Timeline of Events
Sui Dynasty (581-618)
Undated: A white porcelain tripod dish with three ring feet is created and buried in tomb YM243 in Xiaotun Village, Anyang, Henan province. This dish represents the first phase of white porcelain production.
Sui - Early Tang Dynasty (Late 6th - Early 7th Century)
Undated: A set of five white porcelain cups and a matching tripod dish with three ring feet are created. This set eventually becomes part of the Harvard Art Museums collection.
Early Tang Dynasty (618-907)
Undated: Production of tripod dishes with three ring feet continues, influencing the development of similar three-colour wares in the Tang dynasty.
Late 20th - Early 21st Century
Approximately 20 years ago: Nicolas Chow meets Mineo Hata for the first time in Hata's gallery in Osaka.
Undated: Chow and his colleague Mizuka Seya are invited to Hata's home in Ashiya, where they are shown numerous Chinese art treasures over several visits.
2010
Undated: Hata shows Chow and Seya a Ming dynasty Yongle period blue and white ewer previously owned by Konosuke Matsushita.
Undated: Hata also shows them a pair of imperial marble Fu lions located in his outdoor parking area.
2011
Undated: Hata shows Chow and Seya a large cinnabar lacquer box from the Yongle and Xuande reigns, similar to one in the Taipei Palace Museum.
2014
Early 2014: Hata purchases a Ming dynasty blue and white meiping at a Japanese dealers' auction for US$2 million.
Undated: Chow views the meiping at Hata's home in Ashiya.
2017
Undated: A Ming dynasty blue and white bowl from Hata's collection, depicting fish swimming among lotus flowers, is sold at Sotheby's, breaking the world record for blue and white porcelain.
2023
Undated: Hata consigns a monumental stone head of Vairocana Buddha from the Tang dynasty to Sotheby's for auction.
Undated: Hata also consigns a large circular black lacquer box inlaid with mother-of-pearl from the Southern Song dynasty, along with other pieces from his collection, to Sotheby's for auction.
Cast of Characters
Mineo Hata (秦峰男)
Bio: A prominent Japanese art collector and dealer with a keen eye for Chinese art, particularly from the Ming dynasty. He has a long-standing relationship with Nicolas Chow and Sotheby's.
Nicolas Chow (仇國仕)
Bio: Chairman of Asia and Worldwide Head of Asian Art at Sotheby's. He has known Mineo Hata for over 20 years and has been privy to many of Hata's remarkable Chinese art discoveries.
Mizuka Seya (瀬谷瑞香)
Bio: Colleague of Nicolas Chow at Sotheby's. She closely follows the Japanese art market and alerted Chow to Hata's acquisition of the blue and white meiping.
Konosuke Matsushita (松下幸之助)
Bio: Industrialist and founder of Panasonic. He was a previous owner of the Ming dynasty Yongle period blue and white ewer now in Hata's collection.
Walter C. Sedgwick Foundation
Bio: A foundation that owned the set of five white porcelain cups and matching tripod dish before donating it to the Harvard Art Museums in 2006.
Other Mentions:
Tokiwayama Bunko: An institution referenced for its expertise on early white porcelain.
Oxford Authentication Ltd: A company that conducted thermoluminescence testing on the Sui-Early Tang dynasty white porcelain tripod dish.
Regina Krahl: Author of "Chinese Ceramics From The Meiyintang Collection," which features a similar tripod dish to the one auctioned by Sotheby's.
Mayuyama & Co.: A celebrated Japanese art dealership through which Konosuke Matsushita acquired the Ming dynasty Yongle period blue and white ewer.
Taipei Palace Museum: Houses a cinnabar lacquer box similar in size and design to the one owned by Hata.
Empress Wu: A powerful ruler of the Tang dynasty during which the monumental stone head of Vairocana Buddha was created.
This timeline and cast of characters provide a framework for understanding the context and significance of the objects discussed in the sources.
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