Page 153 - Decorative Arts, Part II: Far Eastern Ceramics and Paintings, Persian and Indian Rugs and Carpets

1942.9-548 (C-40i)

Vase

Qing dynasty, probably Qianlong period (1736-1795)
3
Steatitic porcelain with colorless glaze, 14.0 x 8.6 (5^2 x 3 /s)
Widener Collection

TECHNICAL NOTES
The porcelain body has a light brown color, as revealed at the
foot-ring. Both the exterior and interior are covered with a
transparent glaze with diagonally radiating crackle lines and an
uneven surface. The base is recessed and glazed. The foot-ring
is sharply trimmed and flat on the bottom.

PROVENANCE
Thomas B. Clarke [1848-1931], New York; sold 1913 to Peter A. B.
Widener, Lynnewood Hall, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania; inheri-
tance from Estate of Peter A. B. Widener by gift through power
of appointment of Joseph E. Widener, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania.

HIS VASE HAS THE COMPLETELY OPAQUE body character-
Tistic of Chinese steatitic wares. The incised decora-
tion consists of two phoenixes flying among stylized
clouds. A classic scroll band encircles the foot. The
phoenix, a highly auspicious bird in Chinese mythology,
has been described as follows:
The phoenix is only supposed to appear in times of
peace and prosperity. It is the second among the
four supernatural creatures (si ling), the first being
the Dragon, the third, the Unicorn (qiliri), and the
fourth, the Tortoise. It presides over the southern
quadrant of the heavens, and therefore symbolizes
sun and warmth for summer and harvest. This
divine bird is the product of the sun or of fire, hence
it is often pictured gazing on a ball of fire. The sun
being the yang or active principle, the phoenix has
great influence in the begetting of children. 1
SL

NOTES
i. Williams 1976, 325.

REFERENCES
1947 Christensen: 24.

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