Skip to main content

Vase

Chinese

Artwork Details

Vase
16th-17th century
Chinese
porcelain with glaze
8 13/16 in x 3 7/8 in x 3 3/4 in (22.4 cm x 9.8 cm x 9.6 cm)
Gift of Stephen H. and Patricia O. Spurr from the Henry Jewett Greene Collection
2000/1.25

Description

Subject Matter:

This is a rolwagen or yi tong ping 一统瓶 (unified bottle) Blanc de Chine vase of the Dehua kilns of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).  

The Dehua kilns of Fujian province were established in the Song dynasty. Its creamy-white porcelain, being reminiscent of the finest "chicken-fat" white jade, became among the most prized ceramic wares in China. Besides vases Dehua kilns produced small cups, bowls, boxes and Buddhist and Daoist sculptural figures. The pure-white quality of this vase, rather having underglaze cobalt blue paintings, indicates that it was made during the Ming dynasty versus the later Qing.  

Physical Description:

This is a tall, straight-sided, slightly tapered porcelain vase with high narrow shoulders. It has a short neck with an everted rim. Two applique sprig-molded lion heads are placed on opposing sides of the shoulders. The vase is covered in a creamy white glaze. 

Usage Rights:

If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit https://umma.umich.edu/request-image/ for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.