Ru-Type ‘Paper-Mallet’ Vase, Song Style

The vase is finely potted in the elegant zhichui ping (‘paper-mallet’) form, characterized by its slender cylindrical profile and gently rounded contours. The shape, originally inspired by Islamic glass vessels, was reinterpreted through the refined aesthetic sensibilities of Song dynasty literati, ultimately becoming a quintessential object for studio adornment—suited for incense, tea culture, painting display, and floral arrangement.

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Covered overall in a luminous celadon glaze of soft sky-blue tone—reminiscent of the celebrated Ru wares and often described as “the color of the sky after rain breaks through the clouds”—the surface achieves a serene, jade-like quality. The glaze incorporates finely ground agate, a hallmark of Ru kiln tradition, contributing to its distinctive texture and depth.

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The vessel is fired using the traditional fuliyou zhishao technique (full glaze coverage with spur support firing), resulting in a fully glazed base with minimal spur marks. The body is notably thin and refined, enhancing both its tactile delicacy and visual purity.

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Please note: Dimensions are based on the present example. As each piece is individually fired, slight variations are inherent to the making process.