A Rare Chinese Black-Glazed Stoneware Pouring VesselNorthern Song-Jin DynastyThe tall base with a flared foot formed as an octagon shape, with each of its parts separated by three molded vertical lines whose tops pool to russet, supports a deep saucer of similar inverted form upon which sits a cylindrical neck to which an elegant curvaceous handle is attached with its end on the top of the saucer. Above the neck is a hollow ball whose top has a very short neck that is topped with a small mouth, the rounded mouth rim glazed in russet. Covering the open mouth is a removable top formed like a small cone rising from a flat russet then black glazed base. The foot and deep recessed base unglazed and exposing the fine white stoneware. Height 8 1/2 inches. Note:The Falk Collection had a similarly dated black glazed cup and attached stand with russet trim, Christies 15 October 2001, lot 787 (Realized price $52,875). The commentary for the Falk Collection piece provides a useful insight into how the pouring vessel offered here might have been used: "The use of stands was a practical development for the drinking of hot liquid from tea bowls without handles. In the Zu xia lu (Record of Leisurely Enjoyment) the 9th century author Li Kuangyi states that the first bowl stands were made in the Jianzong reign (AD 780-83). However, the earliest bowl stand excavated to date comes from a Jin dynasty tomb in Changsha, Hunan province. Certainly by the Song dynasty bowl stands were very popular in both lacquer and ceramics. The lacquer bowls and bowl stands were very costly, and so ceramics which copied the color and texture of lacquer were much appreciated. The Falk bowl and bowl stand have the color and glossy texture of black lacquer." Examination of this vessel under 10 power magnification confirms that the composition of both its black and russet glazes are like the black and russet glazes on the Falk piece. So it may be that the vessel was also used in the new forms of tea ceremonies taking place at the time since the hollow bowl at the top could be filled with tea and then the ewer aspects of the vessel used to pour it into the tea cups of that period.The rarity of these wares, and in particular the lot offered here can be seen in their estimated and realized sale prices. See a small black and russet Song Dynasty jar 3 7/8 in. (10 cm.) high, Christies, Hong Kong 27 May 2021, lot 2972 (Realized price HKD 150,000); the estimated price of a Jin Period black glazed ribbed "Tulu" (with restoration), Sothebys Hong Kong 17 March 2021, Lot 128 (estimated price HKD 200,000-300,000); and a small russet black glazed jar Christies Hong Kong 27 May 2021, lot 2972 (Realized price HKD 150,000).C Property from the Collection of Steven J. Harvis