Page 196 - Decorative Arts, Part II: Far Eastern Ceramics and Paintings, Persian and Indian Rugs and Carpets

1942.9-614-615 (€-465-466)
Pair of Zun-shaped Beaker Vases

Qing dynasty, Kangxi period (1662-1722)
Porcelain with famille noire enamels on the biscuit,
29
1942.9.614: 46.1 x 22.7 (18 Vs x 8 / 32)
3
1942.9.615: 46.6 x 23.0 (i8 /s x 9 Vie)
Widener Collection
TECHNICAL NOTES
Each vase is made of three sections luted together. The interiors used extensively. A white slip partially covers the surface
of both vases are covered with a colorless glaze, with a key-fret of the vessels under the enamel colors, possibly to
band in black under a dark green enamel just inside the lip. The increase the intensity of the enamels.
foot-ring of 1942.9.614 is relatively sharply trimmed, while that The decoration on both vessels begins on the necks
of 1942.9.615 is smoothly beveled. The bases of both are recessed with rocks, birds, and branches of flowering plum against
and glazed. Several cracks and an area of repair with overpaint- a black ground. At the bottom of the necks are bands of
ing at the lip are seen on 1942.9.614, while 1942.9.615 has had floral roundels. The waists are painted with rocks, birds,
four small holes drilled, apparently to hold handles, later filled flowers, and clusters of pine needles; below are bands of
and painted. There are many spots on the surfaces of both vases
where the black enamel is missing. ascending and descending triangles containing small
half-flowers. The high feet are decorated with rocks, blos-
PROVENANCE soming plum, and birds. The imagery of each vase is
Richard Bennett, Northampton, England. (Gorer, London); roughly the same, although that of 1942.9.614 is more
(Dreicer & Co., New York, agent for Gorer, London); sold 1915 cursorily and mechanically painted, with thicker texture
to Peter A. B. Widener, Lynnewood Hall, Elkins Park, strokes under the enamels. The painting on 1942.9.615
Pennsylvania; inheritance from Estate of Peter A. B. Widener by reveals a greater degree of stylistic variation.
gift through power of appointment of Joseph E. Widener, SL
Elkins Park, Pennsylvania.

OTH VASES ARE COVERED WITH famille noire enamels on REFERENCES
Bthe biscuit. The colors employed are black, blue, two 1911 Gorer: 64, no. 328.
shades of green, and a colorless enamel. Blue enamel is 1911 Gorer and Blacker: i: pi. 8.

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