Large Chinese Blue and White ‘Prunus on Cracked Ice’ Baluster Vase

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Description

Late Qing dynasty (1644–1912), circa 1880–1910
An imposing Chinese blue and white baluster vase of generous proportions, rising from a … Read more Late Qing dynasty (1644–1912), circa 1880–1910
An imposing Chinese blue and white baluster vase of generous proportions, rising from a slightly spreading foot to high rounded shoulders and a tall trumpet neck with everted rim. The body is decorated overall in the celebrated Kangxi-revival manner with gnarled flowering prunus branches, the blossoms and twisting boughs reserved in white against a rich, washed ground of vibrant cobalt blue rendered as ‘cracked ice’ — an auspicious motif signalling the end of winter and the arrival of spring. The design continues uninterrupted up the neck, the painter exploiting the broad surface to dramatic effect, with subtle gradations of the cobalt wash lending depth and movement to the ground. The recessed base is glazed white and unmarked, as is characteristic of export production of the period, when the use of imperial reign marks was restricted. Vases of this commanding scale were produced at the Jingdezhen kilns during the closing decades of the nineteenth century, drawing on the famous ‘hawthorn’ pattern ginger jars of the Kangxi reign so prized by Western collectors of the Aesthetic Movement era. A decorative statement piece of strong colour and confident execution. Please request a full condition report for details.
— THE HOUSE —
From The Orient Gates: four generations of the Harb family, Damascene artisans and antique dealers since the 1870s, heirs of the painter Abou Sobhi Al-Tinawi (Muhammad Harb). Every piece is examined, restored and documented in our family ateliers. A certificate of authenticity accompanies every piece.
— DETAILS —
Origin: China, Jingdezhen kilns
Period: Late Qing dynasty, circa 1880–1910
Materials: Porcelain, Underglaze cobalt blue
Dimensions: Height: 60 cm (23 ½ in.) See less