Chinese Early Qing Dynasty Sang De Boeuf Vases, Set of 2

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Description

A pair of substantial and impressive antique 18th century Chinese ‘sang de boeuf’ vases in very good condition.

from a … Read more A pair of substantial and impressive antique 18th century Chinese ‘sang de boeuf’ vases in very good condition.

from a 15 cm diameter foot ring, the beautifully formed vase rises with a slightly waisted body to a high shoulder and finally to a flared trumpet lip.

The vases are of significant size, measuring approximately 47 cm tall and weighing 6.4 Kg each. Standing upon a raised foot that exhibits a burnt orange ground inside the foot-ring, typical of the early Qing period. The foot-ring itself displays very old scuffing from the time of firing. Early oxblood glazes tended to run and stick to the kiln. Within the foot-ring and clearly visible is the incised 4 character stamp referring to Emperor Yongzhen (Yung-cheng).

The body has occasional kiln firing spots and exhibits surface crazing as would be commensurate.

Photographs show this vase in both bright outside daylight and indoors subdued daylight.


About

The name ‘sang de boeuf’ refers to the colour of the vase, which is French for ‘ox blood’. The difficult manufacturing process of this shade, which is achieved through an oxidisation process of iron and copper, was first recorded in China between the 11th and 13th century. European earthenware producers were not able to replicate the lengthy firing process involved in the production of sang de boeuf until the 20th century, leaving China to monopolise on such wares for centuries. See less