Page 58 - Decorative Arts, Part II: Far Eastern Ceramics and Paintings, Persian and Indian Rugs and Carpets

1942-9-532 (C-385)
Baluster Vase with
Dragon Handles

Ming dynasty, Wanli mark and period (1573-1620)
J
Porcelain with green glaze, 39.9 x 13.9 (15 x 5 /2)
Widener Collection

INSCRIPTIONS
Inscribed in calligraphy in a style consistent with Wanli in a
horizontal white reserve panel under the lip in dark, vivid
underglaze cobalt blue: Da Ming Wanli nian zhi [made in the
Wanli reign of the great Ming dynasty]

TECHNICAL NOTES
The white porcelain body is covered with an emerald green
glaze. Joint lines show prominently at the base of the neck and
at mid-body, and faint indications of joints are visible at the
1
waist and at mid-neck. The interior appears to have an opaque reignmark under lip of 1942.9.532
white glaze, as does the base, which is slightly recessed. The
beveled low foot is unglazed and rough. There is an adhesion
scar on the shoulder from crowding in the kiln, and some glaze
skips are found on the mane of the dragon to the right of the
inscription. The glaze is slightly streaked, with some dark flecks
and a few blue drips. There are evanescent indications of the
former all-over gold surface decoration in the form of irides-
cent marks caused by changes in surface gloss. Some traces of
gold remain in small depressions.

PROVENANCE
(S. Bing, Paris); lames A. Garland [d. 1901/1902], New York; sold
1902 to J. Pierpont Morgan [1837-1913], New York; (Duveen
Brothers, New York); sold 1915 to Peter A. B. Widener,
Lynnewood Hall, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania; inheritance from
Estate of Peter A. B. Widener by gift through power of appoint-
ment of Joseph E. Widener, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania.

HIS TALL, SLENDER VASE is a more elegant and attenuat-
Ted version of the customarily sturdy Ming baluster
2
vase shape. It has a striking and lively profile of a continu-
ous flowing curve. The lip is flaring, the neck long and thin.
The line of the shoulder slopes to the wide body curve,
which narrows gradually to a slim waist and flaring base.
The two creatures climbing the sides of the neck are
descendants of Bronze Age dragons, with manes and
bifurcated tails. 3 Their bodies are arched, and their
open-jawed heads tilt upward. Fully in the round, they
are attached to the vessel at their claws, lower bodies,
and tails. 4
The glaze is a brilliant glossy emerald green. Originally,
most of the surface was decorated in gold. So much has
been lost that only here and there can a fleck of actual
gold be seen. Owing to changes in surface gloss, in certain
reflected light the evanescent design can be detected. A fig. i Ming dynasty, Wanli period (1573-1620), Vase with Dragon
residue of the adhesive of the lost gold painting has Handles, Baltimore Museum of Art, Julius Levy Memorial Fund,
remained on the glossy surface of the glaze. It is possible BMA 1939-248

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