Page 130 - Chinese Porcelain Vol II, Galland

KANG-HE.
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very white, with deep clear blue and perfect glaze. There can
be no of its to that of
question belonging particular period
this when the blue and white was at its best, but the
reign
about
exact date unfortunately it is impossible to fix, probably
1700. On the neck there is a slight collar with the usual
bands on each side.
diaper painted
"
This represents the Emperor Min Hwang of the T'ang
and the Kwei-fei. In
dynasty, Empress Yang consequence
of a rebellion the Imperial city was besieged. The picture
the officials the situation and
depicts high discussing urging
the emperor and empress to fly to Hsi Shu for a time."
For an account of this emperor see No. 710. This is the
first instance we have met of the " club shape," which was so
much used during this reign.
No. 554. Blue and white bottle with bulb mouth. Height,
17 inches. No mark. As seen in the the decora-
photograph,
tion consists of a Fung-hwang in the midst of a scroll work
of conventionalized fungus with pomegranates. On the neck
there is a band of sweet flag leaves with flowered triangle
work below. This latter appears again at top on the bulb,
with a key baud and row of joo-e heads. This, like the last,
is an exceptionally good piece.
No. 555. A blue and white beaker vase. Height, 18
inches. No mark. This belongs to Mr. Burman, who purchased
it in Shanghai ; the paste, colour, and drawing are excellent,
all showing it to date from the latter half of this reign ; but
what attracts attention to it most is the, so to speak, absence
of glaze, which is so sparingly applied that the surface has
not the usual vitreous appearance that we are accustomed to
in the fine blue and white of this The absence of
period.
glaze on these fine pieces one is inclined to think must be
intentional, with a view, perhaps, to making them somewhat
resemble the ancient wares. Consulted on this Mr.
subject,
Chas. E. Faull writes as follows :
"
The slight, or short glaze, on a blue and white piece is
not at all unusual. It is, perhaps, not intentional, and one
sometimes sees a with one and the
piece part highly glazed
other short. All these as a rule, are fine in colour."
pieces,
No. 556. A blue and white vase.
lance-shaped Height,
] 8 inches. No mark. The decoration here round
goes right