Page 358 - CHRISTIE'S Chinese Ceramics & Works of Art 09/14 - 15 / 17

PROPERTY FROM AN IMPORTANT PRIVATE AMERICAN COLLECTION

1239
A LANGYAO BOTTLE VASE

KANGXI PERIOD (1662-1722)
The compressed body and foot are covered in a faintly crackled rich ruby-red glaze that pales to a
greenish-white color below the rim of the neck. The greyish-white glaze of the interior and base have a
more pronounced network of crackle.
11¬ in. (29.6 cm.) high, cloth box
$60,000-80,000

PROVENANCE

J. M. Hu (1911-1995) Collection, acquired in Shanghai in the 1930s-1940s.

LITERATURE

H. D. Ling and E. T. Chow, Collection of Chinese Ceramics from the Pavilion of Ephemeral Attainment, vol. II,
Hong Kong, 1950, pl. 91.
The term langyao, ‘lang wares’, derives its name from Lang Tingji, director of the oficial kilns at
Jingdezhen between 1705-1712, who is credited with the revival of monochrome glazes and particularly
copper-red glazes. The copper-red color is often considered the most challenging to regulate during
the fring process as exactly the right conditions are required within the kiln to achieve the rich tones
demonstrated by the present lot. Although copper-red was used successfully in the Ming dynasty,
particularly in the Xuande period, the copper-red monochrome glazes seen in the Qing dynasty became
even more refned and were of an exceptionally even and vibrant tone. The fne glaze and elegant form of
the present vase exemplifes the skill of the Chinese potters under Lang Tingji.
Typical forms of langyao vases include a long-necked bottle vase form and a tall, high-shoulderd vase,
known as Guanyin zun. The present langyao vase has a particularly rare and elegant form. A langyao vase
of similar form formerly in the Collection of Robert Hatfeld Ellsworth was sold at Christie’s New York,
19 March 2015, lot 420. Compare, also, the langyao vase of similar form, but with reduced, metal-bound
rim and inscribed on the base with a poem by the Qianlong Emperor, sold at Sotheby’s Hong Kong,
5 October 2016, lot 3648.
清康熙 郎窯寶石紅釉蒜頭尊

350