A massive blue and white 'figural' 'soldier' vase and a cover, Qing dynasty, Kangxi period | 清康熙 青花開光人物故事圖大瓶配蓋

A massive blue and white 'figural' 'soldier' vase and a cover

Qing dynasty, Kangxi period 

清康熙 青花開光人物故事圖大瓶配蓋

the elongated baluster body tapering towards the foot and rising to gently sloping shoulders surmounted by a waisted neck and everted rim, painted in rich cobalt-blue tones with four large rectangular panels enclosing two alternating processional and court life scenes, framed by vertical borders of floral scroll, all above a band of 'cracked ice' with reserved floral medallions and a band of upright petals encircling the foot, the shoulder with chevron and floral bands beneath a wide undulating band at the neck enclosing floriform lappets and rosettes, the associated domed cover painted with floral boughs, chevron, and petals, topped with a circular knop (2)

Height 43½ in., 110.5 cm