Page 93 - Decorative Arts, Part II: Far Eastern Ceramics and Paintings, Persian and Indian Rugs and Carpets

1942-9-492-494 (C-345-347)
Amphora Vases

Qing dynasty, Kangxi mark and period (1662-1722)
Porcelain with pale blue glaze,
3
1942.9.492:16.2 x 5.7 (6 /s x 2V4)
5
J
1942.9.493:16.1 x 5.7 (6 /i6 x 2 /4)
1
1942.9.494: 15.9 x 5.7 (6V4 x 2 A)
Widener Collection
INSCRIPTIONS
1
Inscribed in standard script on the base of each vase in underglaze "amphora" vases by some scholars and collectors. Since
blue in two vertical lines of three characters each: Da Qing Kangxi an amphora, by definition in the Greek world, was a ves-
nian zhi [made in the Kangxi reign of the great Qing dynasty] sel with two handles, its application to this Chinese form
initially seems puzzling. However, the shape does recall
TECHNICAL NOTES some Greek vessels, according to R. L. Hobson: "It is in
1942.9.492: A very few dark spots appear scattered over the oth- fact formed like the body of a slender Greek amphora,
erwise uniform pale blue surface. The glaze ends in an even line but without the distinctive pair of handles." 2 The
just above the foot, where it appears to have been mechanically
ground down, revealing a small amount of biscuit. A transpar- National Gallery collection contains three pale blue
ent glaze with a slight bluish tinge covers the deeply recessed examples (1942.9.492-494) and five peachbloom exam-
and slightly concave base, on which the reignmark is written in ples (1942.9.516-520) of vases in this shape.
a rich blue. The unglazed foot-ring is smooth. 1942.9.493: A few According to Chait, the Chinese name for this form
dark spots dot the surface of the blue glaze. A small blisterlike was guanyin ping (Guanyin vase) because of its resem-
eruption is visible on the interior of the flaring neck, which has blance to a vase often shown with the bodhisattva
a paler glaze coloration than the exterior. The glaze ends in a Guanyin. 3 In most contemporary Chinese catalogues of
relatively even line above the foot, revealing a slightly wider ceramics, peachbloom and pale blue vases of the "ampho-
band of unglazed porcelain than that on 1942.9.492. The medi- ra" style are called Uuyeping (willow leaf vase). This name
um blue reignmark on the base is covered by a colorless glaze. is likely to have been derived from the slender form of the
This example has a particularly smooth paste, despite its some- vase and its likeness to a willow leaf. 4 In other instances
what dirty appearance. 1942.9.494: This vessel is quite even in
color except for a small cloudlike form of slightly lighter col- they are called laifu zun or laifu ping in reference to their
ored glaze on the shoulder. A few pinholes are visible, but there shape, sometimes translated as "turnip-shaped," after the
are fewer dark spots than on the other vases of this type in the Chinese "icicle," or white turnip, though some may prefer
National Gallery collection. The reignmark in a medium blue is "radish-shaped," after the Chinese white radish, familiar-
clearly visible under the colorless glaze applied to the base. The ly known by its Japanese name, daikon. 5
unglazed foot is smooth and slightly soiled. It should also be pointed out, however, that the willow
is strongly associated with Guanyin, judging by the fre-
PROVENANCE quent appearance of willow fronds inserted in, placed on,
1942.9.492,1942.9.493: Richard Bennett, Northampton, England; or draped over vessels accompanying the bodhisattva,
sold 1911 to (Gorer, London); (Dreicer & Co., New York, agent particularly images of the "Water-moon," "White-robed,"
for Gorer, London); sold 1913 to Peter A. B. Widener, Lynnewood and "Weeping Willow" type. 6
Hall, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania; inheritance from Estate of Peter
A. B. Widener by gift through power of appointment of Joseph All three pale blue vases of this type in the National
E. Widener, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania. 1942.9.494: Thomas B. Gallery collection are similar. What distinguishes
Clarke, New York, [1848-1931]; sold to Peter A. B. Widener, 1942.9.492 is the dark blue color of the reignmark, which
Lynnewood Hall, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania; inheritance of may be responsible for the slightly blue tinge of the glaze
Estate of Peter A. B. Widener by gift through power of appoint- that covers the base; in the other two vases of this type, the
ment of Joseph E. Widener, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania. marks are lighter and the glaze covering them is colorless.
All the marks on these vases, however, fall within the
acceptable range of variation for these vessels.
MONG THAT GROUP OF EXQUISITELY potted Small Although 1942.9.492 and 1942.9.493 were acquired
Aobjects presumably intended for the use or enjoy- together, the latter more closely resembles the third vase of
ment of the scholar or connoisseur, glazed in both this shape, 1942.9.494, particularly in the rather light color
peachbloom and pale blue during the Kangxi period of the reignmark and the clarity of the glaze on the base.
(and so marked), are some beautifully proportioned, So fine are these wares in their manufacture that even
slender, high-shouldered vases, commonly dubbed minor flaws stand out. On the other hand, the monotony

P O R C E L A I N S 77