Chinese Celadon Ground Famille Rose Vase, Late Qing / Republic Period, c. 1880–1920
A celadon-ground vase painted with prunus blossoms and cherries in the famille rose palette — the spare elegance of late Qing porcelain at its most quietly accomplished.
ARTIST: Unknown, Jingdezhen, China
PERIOD: Late Qing / Early Republic Period, c. 1880–1920
CATEGORY: Decorative Object / Ceramics / Asian Art
MATERIALS: Porcelain, celadon ground glaze, overglaze famille rose enamels
DIMENSIONS: 17½ h × 8 in. diameter
CONTEXT: Celadon-ground famille rose vases of this type are characteristic of late Qing dynasty production, combining the pale blue-green ground glaze with the soft polychrome enamel palette of the famille rose tradition. This example is painted with prunus branches bearing blossoms and cherries in pink and green against the cool celadon ground, the base encircled by a lotus petal border in iron red — a restrained, well-composed decoration that reflects the refined taste of the period. The flared neck and gently swelling baluster body are well potted and the glaze is even. A piece of quiet authority that rewards close looking.