Sold Ceramics - Sold Transitional wares 1620-1683

Object 2010925

Vase

China

1635-1645

Height 197 mm (7.76 inch), diameter of mouthrim 35 mm (1.38 inch), diameter of footring 52 mm (2.05 inch), weight 348 grams (12.28 ounce (oz.))

Vase on a high footring, pear-shaped body cylindrical neck with slightly everted rim. Decorated in underglaze blue with two cranes, One is in flight and the other crane is standing beside pierced rockwork with flowering aster and bamboo plants. On the shoulder a band with flower scrolls, on the neck a large flower spray. To the base an old square paper collectors label with the text ´N56´ and ´a´. The addition of the ´a´ most likely points out that this vase was once part of a set.

Transitional ware was named after the changes that took place in the political sphere in China after the death of the Emperor Wanli (1619), which ultimately led to the fall of the Ming and the establishment of the Qing Dynasty (1644). With the introduction of new forms new types of decoration came in as well. On tall pieces like bottles and vases in particular the main part of the body is no longer divided into panels, but the entire areas is used for a continuous scene. The scenes are often framed above and below by a decorative band of floral scrolls. Technically too, this porcelain is obviously different from Kraakporselein. It is thicker, carefully made and seldom or never distorted in firing. The glaze is particularly fine, smooth, hard and devoid of unevenness of blemishes. (Jörg 1984, p.14)

The crane is an auspicious symbol of longevity and a blessed life, a pair of cranes of a long and happy marriage. (Jörg 2003/1, p.185) The thick body, the shape, the free and finely painted design and the clear glaze make this vase a fine example Transitional ware dating from the 2nd quarter of the 17th century.

For a identically decorated vase, please see:

Chinese ceramiek, catalogue Haags Gemeentemuseum, (B. Jansen, De Tijdstroom, Lochem, 1976), p.87, cat. 170.

Condition: A restored neck and a hairline to the body.

References:

Jansen 1976, cat. 170

Jörg 1984, p.14

Jörg 2003/1, cat. 230

Price: Sold.