Candlestick in the form of a lion, glazed stoneware, Yaozhou ware, China, Jin dynasty (1115-1234). Height: 7.6 cm. FE.32-1994. Given by Mr P. H. D. S. Wikramaratna, in memory of his wife Nancy. © V&A Images.

This candlestick is an example of Yaozhou wares typical of the Northern Song dynasty (960-1127). While the wares produced at the Yaozhou kiln complex enjoyed popularity from the end of the Tang dynasty (960-1127) through to the beginning of the Yuan dynasty (1279-1368), this candlestick is typical of the Yaozhou wares of the Northern Song period in its stoneware body and olive green glaze.

Glaze was an important tool in the design of Yaozhou wares. When applied to the formed surface of the candlestick, the glaze pooled into the crevices of the clay and ran thin over any raised areas and at the edges. After firing, areas where the glaze ran thick were an opaque olive green and thin areas emerged a paler hue, heightening effect of the actual relief.

Bibliographic References: Kerr, Rose. Song Dynasty Ceramics. London: V&A Publications, 2004. p. 57, no. 53.