Porcelain with transparent pale-bluish (qingbai-type) glaze, Yuan Dynasty, 14th century

This piece is shaped like a lotus bud, featuring a gracefully undulating body and intricate geometric patterns. The neck is adorned with finely incised dense lines, adding visual variety. The glaze is evenly applied overall, with delicate craquelure and natural tonal variations that reflect the passage of time.

The base remains exposed, revealing traces of glaze flow that occurred during the firing process, along with natural kiln ash and support stone marks.

Period : Yuan Dynasty(1271-1368)
Type : Vase
Medium : Qingbai Ware
Size : 17 cm(Height), 9.5cm(Diameter) 
Provenance : Acquired in late 1990s, Hongkong
Reference :
1) Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art - Accession Number F1984.18
https://asia.si.edu/explore-art-culture/collections/search/edanmdm:fsg_F1984.18/
2) Ashmolean Museum, Oxford - Accession no.LI1301.295
http://jameelcentre.ashmolean.org/collection/8/per_page/50/offset/50/sort_by/random/object/22317

* 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.