Page 251 - Chinese porcelains collected by Mr. and Mrs. Charles P. Taft, Cincinnati, Ohio, by John Getz

GROUP WITH A COLORED FOUNDATION

The tall square vases with a reserved design of transparent enamel glazes

against a colored foundation properly constitute a distinct class by them-
selves, and they have for centuries ranked among the noblest creations of
the Chinese ceramist. Esteemed by native connoisseurs, they have also
held a high place in mandarin and princely collections.

The several examples represented here are of a particularly high order,

with all the characteristic attributes in point of paste, and rare colored

glazes, which easily distinguish them and the period. It may be freely

stated that their degree of excellence in technique, form, and embellish-
ment has not been reached in former eras nor smce.

With regard to certain colored glazes which are taken as distinguish-
ing marks, attention may be called especially to the tints of manganese

purple, to their peculiar transparency and shades, and to the emerald and
yellow-toned greens which always characterize the early products of the
K'ang-hsi era, while the yellow enamel color is itself also noteworthy.

Vide Nos. 74 and 75.

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