Blue and White Water Vessel

$880

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Dimensions

W: 11.5" D: 10.5" H: 10.25"

Materials

Ceramic

Purchase Quantity

Collection #

CMWY019

Estimated Shipping

$38

Brushed with a dark, blue-black glaze atop a white field, this Qing-dynasty water vessel is wonderfully painted in a carefree style with stylized figures and loose shading. Designed for serving water or tea, the squat jar has a rounded form with a wide base and sloping shoulders that narrow to a constricted neck topped with a flat lid. The hand-painted decoration depicts a procession of young boys waving tall banners and leading a mythical qilin. Also known as kirin or Chinese unicorns, qilin are chimeric animals from Chinese mythology thought to be good omens and potent symbols of joy, longevity, prosperity, and wisdom. The motif of a boy riding a qilin conveys a wish for many sons and was traditionally depicted on wedding presents and bedroom decoration.

Minor chips to the opening rim.

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Blue & White Porcelain

Soon after its development in the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368 AD), blue-and-white underglaze porcelain became a favorite of the imperial court. Its broad appeal rapidly extended beyond China’s borders, becoming a lucrative export commodity highly sought after in Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.

Using cobalt imported from Western Asia, ceramic artists ground the mineral into a vibrant blue pigment that was then painted directly on a porcelain base, coated with clear glaze, and fired. This underglaze technique brought with it a shift in focus from the overall shape of a vessel to the skill and artistry traceable in its painted decoration.

Transcending time and taste, blue-and-white porcelain continues to be appreciated around the world for the intricate brushwork and brilliant blue color.