Baluster Vase

Kangxi period, 1662/1722

Chinese Qing Dynasty

Associated Names
The sculpture is a vase with intricate nature designs. It is predominantly black, with vibrant white, green, and yellow decorations. The vase features a pattern of blossoming flowers and yellow birds, with elements of nature such as rocks and trees at the base. It has a flared top, and is made of a smooth, glossy material. The craftsmanship is detailed, especially the floral and avian elements. The layering of imagery creates depth in the depiction.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    porcelain with famille noire enamels on the biscuit

  • Credit Line

    Widener Collection

  • Dimensions

    overall: 69.2 x 27.3 cm (27 1/4 x 10 3/4 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1942.9.627


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Thomas B. Clarke [1848-1931], New York; sold to Peter A. B. Widener, Lynnewood Hall, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania; inheritance from Estate of Peter A. B. Widener by gift through power of appointment of Joseph E. Widener, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania; gift 1942 to NGA.

Associated Names

Bibliography

1942

  • Works of Art from the Widener Collection. Foreword by David Finley and John Walker. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1942: 24.

1998

  • Bower, Virginia, Josephine Hadley Knapp, Stephen Little, and Robert Wilson Torchia. Decorative Arts, Part II: Far Eastern Ceramics and Paintings; Persian and Indian Rugs and Carpets. The Collections of the National Gallery of Art Systematic Catalogue. Washington, D.C., 1998: 187, color repro.

Inscriptions

falsely inscribed on the base in underglaze blue in three columns of two characters each: Da Ming Chenghua nian zhi (made in the Chenghua reign of the great Ming dynasty)

Wikidata ID

Q62758634

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