1920s Chinese Polychrome Zun Vase

Details

Description

This is an impressive vintage Chinese porcelain zun vase, expertly crafted in the rare octagonal form and lavishly decorated in … Read more This is an impressive vintage Chinese porcelain zun vase, expertly crafted in the rare octagonal form and lavishly decorated in underglaze blue with overglaze polychrome enamels. The vase features vibrant depictions of mythical dragons, blossoming flowers, scholar’s rocks, and elegant figures, all set against a bright white ground.

Features
- Type: Rare Octagonal zun shaped vase
- Origin: China
- Period: 20th century (Republic period or later, most likely 1920's-1930's)
- Decoration: Multicolored (famille verte / wucai) design with blue underglaze outlines and bold overglaze enamels in red, yellow, green, and blue
- Mark: Apocryphal six-character Ming Jiajing reign mark ("大明嘉靖年製") on the base, hand-painted in blue underglaze
- Shape: Zun with wide flared mouth and squared pedestal foot
- Condition: Excellent vintage condition, no chips or cracks

Artistic Highlights
- Richly painted with auspicious dragons in pursuit of the flaming pearl
- Panels depict floral sprays and figures in flowing robes among scholar’s rocks and garden scenery
- Decorative borders with classic meander patterns at the foot and rim
- Interior rim painted with a frieze of scrolling peonies and foliage

Collector's Notes
- Apocryphal “大明嘉靖年製” (Da Ming Jiajing Nian Zhi) marks are commonly found on good-quality Republic and 20th-century revival wares, intended as homages to the renowned Ming Jiajing era
- The vase exemplifies the enduring influence of Ming and Qing imperial traditions on modern Chinese ceramics and makes a vibrant decorative statement
- This vase was most likely made between the 1900s and 1940s, with the 1920s–1930s being the most probable decades. This timeframe aligns with widespread interest in revival styles using apocryphal marks and elaborate overglaze enamel decoration on Chinese porcelain.

Dimensions
8" H x 6.375" W x 6.375" D See less