Page 256 - Decorative Arts, Part II: Far Eastern Ceramics and Paintings, Persian and Indian Rugs and Carpets

1942.9-633-634 (C-484-485)
Pair of Large Covered Baluster Jars

Qing dynasty, late eighteenth century
Porcelain with overglaze famille rose enamels,
1942.9.633: (with cover) 133.4 x 48.9 (52 V2 x 19 V4),
(without cover) 107.6 (42%)
9
1942.9.634: (with cover) 133 x 49.7 (52% x i9 /i6),
x
(without cover) 107.3 (42 /4)
Widener Collection
TECHNICAL NOTES
The vessels are thrown in several parts that have been smoothly lappets bordered by yellow lines and filled with peonies
luted together. Within broad, rounded foot-rings the bases are and other flowers against black and green scrollwork.
concave and unglazed. The interiors of the jars are glazed, but Above this is a lavender diaper band containing four leaf-
the interiors of the lids are not. shaped panels with carp among clusters of pine needles.
At the neck is a band of vertical multicolored stripes sim-
PROVENANCE ilar to that just above the foot.
(Duveen Brothers, New York and London); sold 1914 to Peter A. The lids are topped by seated lions painted in lavender,
B. Widener, Lynnewood Hall, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania; inheri-
tance from Estate of Peter A. B. Widener by gift through power of green, blue, and black enamel, with their mouths left
appointment of Joseph E. Widener, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania. unglazed. The other areas of the lids are decorated with
pomegranates, peonies, and other flowers, in addition to
ACH OF THESE ENORMOUS COVERED baluster jars is cranes. At the edge of each lid is a band of multicolored
E decorated with dense floral designs in famille rose wavy lines.
enamels painted over a colorless glaze. The enamel col- There is a very similar pair of 1 vases in the
ors on the exterior include lavender, pink, blue, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
turquoise, yellow, green, white, black, and metallic gold. SL
The main design consists of large peonies and cranes
against a ground of multicolored scrolling tendrils and NOTES
leaves. The shoulders are taken up with bands of ruyi i. Ace. no. 14.40.1130 A/B; published in du Boulay 1984,250, fig. i.

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