Page 168 - Decorative Arts, Part II: Far Eastern Ceramics and Paintings, Persian and Indian Rugs and Carpets

1972.43-37 (C-592)

Vase

Qing dynasty, Shunzhi/early Kangxi period (1644-1670)
Porcelain with famille verte enamels on the biscuit,
5
17.8x11.8 (7X4 /s)
Harry G. Steele Collection, Gift of Grace C. Steele
INSCRIPTIONS
Inscribed on the base in overglaze green and black enamel with
an artemisia leaf mark

TECHNICAL NOTES
The lip and interior are covered with colorless enamel. The
chamfered foot-ring encloses a recessed, glazed base, in the cen-
ter of which is a mark in the shape of an artemisia leaf. 1

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

HEAVY VESSEL WITH RATHER THICK WALLS, this vase is
Adecorated in enamels painted directly onto the high-
fired, unglazed porcelain body. The decoration consists of
six horses among spiraling ocean waves, auspicious
emblems, and isolated plum blossoms. The auspicious
emblems represented are the pearl, the artemisia leaf, the
lozenge, scrolls, and the rhinoceros horn; these are,
respectively, symbols of genius or enlightenment, fidelity,
success, scholastic learning, and happiness. The enamels
employed are yellow, aubergine, black, colorless, and two
shades of green.
SL

NOTES
i. For a vessel with an identical mark, see Hobson 1925-1928,
4: 24 (Di07).

foot-ring and inscription
on base of 1972.43.37

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