Page 144 - Decorative Arts, Part II: Far Eastern Ceramics and Paintings, Persian and Indian Rugs and Carpets

1972.43-17 (C-572)

Small Baluster Vase

Qing dynasty, Kangxi period (1662-1722)
Porcelain with blue glaze and painted gold decoration,
5
20.6X9. 3 (8V8X3 /8)
Harry G. Steele Collection, Gift of Grace C. Steele
TECHNICAL NOTES
The painted gold decoration over the glaze is worn in some
areas, particularly at the edges of the designs.

PROVENANCE
Harry G. Steele [1881-1941], Pasadena; his widow, Grace C. Steele.

HE FINELY POTTED BALUSTER VASE has a beveled foot-
Tring and a recessed and glazed base. The painted
gold decoration is arranged in several bands against a
ground of "powder" blue glaze, so called because it is
applied in the form of powder (see the essay on Chinese
ceramic techniques). A band of cross-hatched ascending
and descending triangles decorates the top; the neck has
two isolated floral sprays with flying dragonflies; the
shoulder is surrounded by a band of ovoid floral panels
separated by a lattice diaper, below which there is a band
of stylized ruyi heads. The main decoration on the body
depicts a lotus pond, with large carp swimming in the
water and two long-beaked birds flying overhead.
SL

128 D E C O R A T I V E A R T S