Page 263 - Decorative Arts, Part II: Far Eastern Ceramics and Paintings, Persian and Indian Rugs and Carpets

19/2.43-8 (C-563)

Bottle Vase

Qing dynasty, Kangxi period (1662-1722)
Porcelain with underglaze blue decoration,
3
21.7x9.5 (89/ l6 x3 /4)
Harry G. Steele Collection, Gift of Grace C. Steele

INSCRIPTIONS
A double circle with no mark is painted on the base in blue.

TECHNICAL NOTES
The cobalt oxide pigment has broken through the glaze surface
in some areas. There is a small patch of abraded glaze inside
the lip. The foot-ring is neatly trimmed, and the recessed base
is glazed.
PROVENANCE
Harry G. Steele [1881-1941], Pasadena; his widow, Grace C. Steele.

HE BOTTLE SHAPE OF THIS VASE is characteristic of the
TKangxi reign. It is decorated in deep blue underglaze,
and the colorless glaze has a uniform tonality. The
underglaze blue painting is evenly modulated between
dark and light tonalities. Below the lip on the exterior is
a slightly raised horizontal line. The neck is decorated
with two flying birds. Below this, the main body is
painted with blossoming plum trees, rocks, grasses, and
a dragonfly in flight.
SL

P O R C E L A I N S 247