This post will be going slightly off topic as I will be showing objects which are neither jade nor beads. Instead I will show my 3 antique ceramic whistles from around the Song - Yuan dynasty or later. But since whistles like beads are tiny and have pierced holes I somehow see a connection.😊
Antique porcelain whistles are one of the tiniest artefacts made by Chinese potters. I don't really know what function they serve in the old days but it has been speculated that whistles are toys (for children ?) Another research paper has put up a theory that they are possibly musical instruments giving out wonderful notes. So far I have not the nerve to test them with my mouth.😋
My 3 whistles were made in the Cizhou kilns of Hebei, China. This kiln mostly catered to the needs of common people and Cizhou porcelain was typical of folk wares of this period.
My 3 whistles were made in the Cizhou kilns of Hebei, China. This kiln mostly catered to the needs of common people and Cizhou porcelain was typical of folk wares of this period.
Now to show the pictures of the 3 diminutive figurine whistles. The 2 smaller whistles are only 4.5 cm high while the bigger one measures 6 cm.
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| 3 ceramic whistles from Cizhou kilns |
This pair looks like a pair of twins. They have a dignified air and I cant make out whether they are boys or men. Also seem to be bearing some object in their hands.
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| Are they twins? |
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| Figurine has a benevolent smile |
Showing the back of the 2 smaller whistles
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| Holes on top and at the back |
The bigger whistle unfortunately is partially broken at the back
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| Partial damage to the back |
And here's a modern whistle from granddaughter Sophie, borrowed for comparison.
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| Modern 2018 child's whistle |
Whistles from 10th-to 21st century.
The old with the new
* Please refer to Freer and Sackler Museum website for more examples of whistles from Cizhou kilns.
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