A magnificent powder-blue and gilt-decorated rouleau vase, Qing Dynasty, Kangxi period | 清康熙 灑藍地描金開光錦堂富貴圖棒槌瓶
Auction Closed
November 3, 05:23 PM GMT
Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 GBP
Lot Details
Description
A magnificent powder-blue and gilt-decorated rouleau vase
Qing Dynasty, Kangxi period
清康熙 灑藍地描金開光錦堂富貴圖棒槌瓶
the cylindrical body surmounted by a columnar neck with galleried rim, richly and finely painted in gold against a mottled-blue ground with two large rectangular panels each enclosing a long tailed bird perched on rockwork issuing prominent blossoms borne on leafy stems, with further circular and square-shaped panels on the sides each enclosing floral blossoms and gnarled branches, all against an elaborate diaper ground
Height 48 cm, 18⅞ in.
Blue monochromatic wares with gilt decoration first appear in the Yuan dynasty. During the Kangxi period it was the custom to spray the cobalt oxide onto the porcelain which gave an attractive, mottled quality to the wares. More often, than not the powder blue was further ornamented with gilt-painted decoration, the cool metallic tones contrasting effectively with the rich mottled blue as witnessed on this vase.