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Gu Jingzhou's “Yulu Poetry and Prose Set”
Jiangsu Hexin 2018 Spring Art Auction
Price Realized: RMB 17,250,000
The Yulu Poetry and Prose Set is a work from Gu Jingzhou's early years, where the pot is square yet round, with a purple clay luster that subtly exudes an ancient charm. It feels light to the touch, and overall, it conveys a sense of grace and magnificence, combining strength with gentleness.
This tea set consists of one pot and four cups, modeled after ancient food vessels. Whether placed upright or inverted, the ensemble is harmonious and full of dynamic movement.
With the body of the pot as the main element, the lid, spout, handle, and knob all exhibit a balance of rigidity and softness, complementing each other like a well-coordinated team. Despite its square shape, it still gives a feeling of smooth and jade-like roundness, providing a tactile experience as soft as cotton. It depicts a scene of elegant tea culture, using poetry to express aspirations, and also serves as a metaphor of Mr. Gu's self-comparison to a solitary crane, expressing his current aspirations and pursuits.
"Yangxian Jingnan" refers to the ancient name for the southern mountains of Yixing, a heartfelt confession of Mr. Gu Jingzhou's deep love and sense of responsibility for the land that nurtured him.
In the realm of Zisha pottery auctions, the square-shaped works are led by Chen Mingyuan and Gu Jingzhou. The saying "a pot, a thousand pieces of gold" is exemplified here.
