Page 50 - Sotheby's Jie Rui Tang Collection Part II Kangxi Porcelain March 2019

Examples of dated Kangxi wares are quite to successfully convey multiple meanings
rare and present an opportunity to better through narrative imagery, symbols, color, and
understand the evolution of stylistic and form, a feat exemplified by the present vases,
technical achievements during an era famous reached new heights during the Kangxi period.
for innovation and change. The present lot The vases each depict customary displays
represents a peak of porcelain production at of homage by aspiring scholars to provincial
the turn of the 17th century which is evident in governors. It is unclear whether the seated
the sophisticated use of layering in the form, officials are retiring from office or are newly
composition and enameling of the vases. The appointed but establishing credentials and
meiping form is strengthened by the additional gaining merit through tribute would have been
splay of the foot with lappet decoration expected of lower ranking officials. The gift of
creating the illusion of a support for the vase. a boot would seem unusual however there was
The composition of the painted subject matter a tradition that new boots symbolized a fresh
brilliantly conforms to the shape of the vase start and it was understood that the old pair
with the main action taking place within the would remain at the previous post symbolizing
widest section. The intense layering of color enduring affection.
and design within the scene by means of
linear perspective, contrasting tones and A vase with the same subject matter from
rich enameling, serve to heighten both the the Ionides Collection was sold at Sotheby’s
narrative and overall visual impact. The ability London, 14th July 1964, lot 377.

48 SOTHEBY’S