The ovoid body to a tall neck, the body decorated with a chrysanthemum meander, covered overall in a translucent pale blue glaze. Traces of excavation can be seen in the dirt marks on the lower part. Even when observed under a microscope, traces of soil naturally settling inside the bubbles can be found. Elaborate craftsmanship is displayed at the mouth part like a bloom flower.
Period : Song-Yuan Dynasty(13-14th century)
Type : Vase
Medium : Qingbai Ware
Size : 24 cm(Height), 10cm(Mouth Diameter)
Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s from Hongkong
Condition : Excellent
Reference :
1) Christies Newyork 23 MAR 2023 - J. J. Lally & Co. - Lot 880
(Price realised : USD 40,320 / Type : Closely related)
https://www.christies.com/en/lot/lot-6413385
2) Sotheby's Hong Kong 22 April 2021 - Monochrome III - Lot 31
(Price range : 300,000 - 500,000 HKD / Type : Closely related)
https://www.sothebys.com/en/buy/auction/2021/monochrome-iii/a-carved-qingbai-chrysanthemum-vase-song-dynasty
3) Sotheby's New York 15 March 2017 - Important Chinese Art - Lot 636
(Price realised : 25,000 USD / Type : Closely related)
https://www.sothebys.com/en/auctions/ecatalogue/2017/important-chinese-art-n09662/lot.636.html
* Qingbai Ware
Qingbai ware, which translates to "blue-white ware," is a type of Chinese porcelain that was made at the Jingdezhen and other kilns in the porcelain-producing regions of China, primarily during the Song dynasty (960–1279) and continuing into the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368). It is known for its translucent quality and the pale blue-green glaze that characterizes most of its pieces.
The qingbai glaze was achieved using a small amount of iron in a reduction-fired atmosphere, which produced the subtle blue-green tint. The body of qingbai ware is typically made of a fine, white porcelain that is often referred to as 'artificial jade' due to its resemblance to the esteemed stone. The thinness of the body and the high firing temperatures used contributed to the translucent quality of the finished product.
Qingbai ware includes a range of items such as bowls, cups, vases, and ewers. The designs are usually simple and elegant, with an emphasis on the graceful lines and form of the objects. Decorative motifs, when present, are often incised, carved, or molded in relief and can include floral patterns, dragons, phoenixes, and other symbolic elements drawn from Chinese culture.
Over time, the technology and techniques used to produce qingbai ware evolved, leading to innovations in glaze and decoration that would influence later types of Chinese porcelain. Despite these changes, qingbai ware remains a distinguished example of the potters' art in Song and Yuan China, reflecting the refined aesthetic and cultural values of the period.
