Page 171 - Decorative Arts, Part II: Far Eastern Ceramics and Paintings, Persian and Indian Rugs and Carpets

1942.9-606 (C-457)
Baluster Vase

Qing dynasty, Kangxi period (1662-1722)
Porcelain with famille verte enamels on the biscuit,
43.2 x 20.3 (17 x 8)
Widener Collection

TECHNICAL NOTES
The vase was thrown in two sections that were luted together at
the shoulder. It appears that the raised band and striations on
the neck were created by a sharp tool used to cut away the
leather-hard clay as it was turned on the wheel. The roughly
beveled foot-ring reveals a white paste. The bottom is covered
by a thin matte glaze. Only the interior of the neck and several
spots on the interior bottom are glazed. A small chip is visible
on the exterior of the lip.
PROVENANCE
Richard Bennett, Northampton, England. (Gorer, London);
(Dreicer & Co., New York, agent for Gorer, London); sold 1913
to Peter A. B. Widener, Lynnewood Hall, Elkins Park,
Pennsylvania; inheritance from Estate of Peter A. B. Widener by
gift through power of appointment of Joseph E. Widener,
Elkins Park, Pennsylvania.

HE DECORATION ON THIS VASE consists of two large
Tfour-clawed dragons chasing flaming pearls among
stylized flames on the main body and two phoenixes on
the neck. The enamel palette includes green, yellow,
aubergine, and black. The two dragons, one yellow and
the other aubergine, are of different types. The aubergine
dragon resembles the characteristic late-Ming dragon,
with an elongated head. The other has a more typical
Kangxi-period head, which is much larger. Around the
eyes of the latter, brown lines of the underdrawing are
visibly painted directly on the porcelain body.
SL

REFERENCES
1911 Gorer: 77, no. 391.
1911 Gorer and Blacker: i: pi. 29.

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