Page 202 - Decorative Arts, Part II: Far Eastern Ceramics and Paintings, Persian and Indian Rugs and Carpets

1942.9-626 (C-477)

Baluster Vase

Qing dynasty, Kangxi period (1662-1722)
1
Porcelain with famille noire enamels on the biscuit, 74.9 (29 /2)
Widener Collection

INSCRIPTIONS
Inscribed on the base in underglaze blue with a lingzhi mush-
room mark within a double circle
TECHNICAL NOTES
This tall vase is made of three sections that are luted together at
the bottom of the neck and below the shoulder. The interior
and the recessed base are glazed. The foot-ring is rounded. The
neck has been broken and repaired, with some repainting.
There is also a repaired and repainted vertical crack on the
interior of the lip.

PROVENANCE
Thomas B. Clarke [1848-1931], New York; sold 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.

HE EXTERIOR OF THIS VASE is decorated with garden
Trocks, blossoming plum trees, bamboo, and birds
against a black ground. The painting is accomplished
but rather perfunctory. The full famille noire palette is
employed, with yellow, blue, aubergine, and three
shades of green. In the black background areas, a dark
green enamel layer is applied directly over a thin, matte
brown wash.
SL

REFERENCES
1947 Christensen: 12, fig. 3.
1955-1958 Koyama et al.: pi. 41.

foot-ring and reignmark
on base of 1942.9.626

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