Chinese
Vase, 1800–1899, Qing Dynasty, 1644–1911/12
Not on view
Porcelain with celadon glaze
Dimensions8 1/2 × 4 in. (21.6 × 10.2 cm)
Gift of F. Karel Wiest, 1982.329
Subtle Expressions in Porcelain
This grouping of Qing Dynasty porcelain presents an array of vessel forms with monochromatic glazes and subtle decorative patterns. Vase (no. 33) is decorated in hui wen, (key fret pattern), which recalls the decorative spirals often seen on Chinese bronze age vessels. This pattern can be free standing, or can appear in pairs, each going in the opposite direction from each other, or else it can be connected to form a band. Vase in Shape of a “Gu”, (no. 32) is an oblong, flared-necked beaker shape; which imitates in form a Chinese bronze age prototype, which was used as a libation chalice for ancestor rituals, and later, as a wine container or altar flower vase. This vessel has the Emperor Qianlong's seal mark on its base, who reigned during the Qing Dynasty from 1736-1795.
Vase (no. 31), in clair de lune glaze, displays a delicate incised bat and cloud motif around the sloping shoulders of the vessel. The Censer (incense burner) (no. 34) is decorated with an incised chevron and scepter motif on its lid and body, with eight hanging rings around the perimeter of the vessel. Its glaze type is known as dong qing (winter green), which was first fired in at the folk kilns in the capital of the Northern Song at Dongqing, Kaifeng, Henan province. Dish: Dragon in Clouds, (no. 37), in blanc de chine glaze, is an example of ling long (piercing and filling), a decorative technique achieved by piercing the clay vessel with an openwork design, then glazed in such a way that it fills in the openings, which after firing are transparent.
