Porcelain baluster vase with underglaze blue decoration

Kangxi period, 1662 – 1722
Height: 43.5 cm | 17 1/8 in

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The vase has a flared neck and rounded shoulders – the body contracting as it descends to its narrowest point before flaring out above the foot. The main body of the vase is painted with figures in a rocky landscape with a lake, and trees amongst clouds – the style of the painting free and natural. The figures are gathered on a natural terrace by the water’s edge where two officials – one of whom is fishing – are gathered along with assembled attendants and a warrior. Three different geometric bands encircle the neck – one at the base and two in the middle.

The underglaze blue is particularly deep, bright and successfully fired – the shading creating a real sense of tonal graduation. This distinctive colour comes from the type of cobalt used at this period that originated from Yunnan, and produced a different tone from that of the Ming dynasty.

Similar example: Kangxi, Yongzheng, Qianlong: Qing Porcelain from the Palace Museum Collection Forbidden City Publishing, 1989 – figure 14 (within the Kangxi section).