Tall Ming Village Four-Sided Hand-Painted Chinese Porcelain Crane & Blossom Vase, 21"

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Description

An exceptional large-scale hand-painted Chinese porcelain vase acquired from Ming Village in Singapore in the late 20th century, accompanied by … Read more An exceptional large-scale hand-painted Chinese porcelain vase acquired from Ming Village in Singapore in the late 20th century, accompanied by its original Certificate of Origin.

Standing approximately 21 inches tall on its original fitted display stand, this striking four-sided vase combines an unusually sculptural form with beautifully restrained hand-painted decoration. Its broad, flattened body rises into a dramatically elongated neck with a gently flared rectangular mouth, creating an elegant silhouette that changes considerably as the vase is viewed from different angles.

Each of the vase’s four faces presents a distinct composition, allowing the decorative program to unfold as the piece is turned. One principal face depicts a serene pair of birds beneath branches of brilliant autumn foliage, rendered in shades of russet, amber and gold against an atmospheric waterside landscape. The opposing face features a pair of stately birds among Chinese plum blossoms, while the remaining faces incorporate delicately painted landscape elements, Chinese calligraphic inscriptions and red seal marks.

The extensive areas of luminous pale porcelain are as important to the composition as the painted decoration itself. Rather than covering the surface with ornament, the artist uses generous negative space to create a remarkably painterly effect reminiscent of traditional Chinese ink-and-wash painting. Long branches and blossoms extend dramatically upward along the slender neck, emphasizing the vase’s impressive verticality and graceful proportions.

The original Ming Village Certificate of Origin identifies the piece as a “four sided vase” and describes it as “A modern design created by the Artist of Ming Village.” The certificate also documents the symbolic meaning of the imagery: birds among autumn leaves represent happiness and steadfast friendship, birds among Chinese plum blossoms symbolize winter and longevity, and peony blossoms at the base represent the beauty of spring and prosperity.

Together, these seasonal motifs create a poetic decorative program centered on friendship, longevity, renewal, beauty and prosperity.

The certificate further documents Ming Village’s production process, including molding or hand throwing, shaping and finishing, hand painting, glazing, and multiple firings used in the creation of its porcelain wares.

The vase rests upon its original dark presentation base, embellished with a pink floral motif that beautifully complements the painted porcelain. The stand is securely attached and has not been removed, preserving the piece exactly as it has long been displayed.

Acquired from Ming Village in Singapore during the owners’ travels in Asia and subsequently displayed for decades in their private Palm Springs collection, the vase has been carefully preserved and presents beautifully.

At approximately 21 inches tall, this is a substantial decorative object with enough scale to stand alone on a console, pedestal, mantel or large case piece. Its combination of sculptural form, hand-painted decoration, traditional Chinese symbolism, four-sided composition and surviving original documentation makes it especially appealing for Asian-inspired, traditional, eclectic and collected interiors.

The original Ming Village Certificate of Origin accompanies the vase and will be included with the purchase.

Dimensions: approximately 21"H × 8"W at widest point, including attached display stand.

Condition: Excellent vintage condition with no chips, cracks or repairs observed. Painted decoration remains beautifully preserved. The original fitted stand shows minor age-appropriate wear consistent with careful display and storage. The presentation base remains securely attached and has not been removed. Please review all photographs closely, as they form an important part of the condition description. See less