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The sculpture depicts a large decorative vase with intricate depictions of blooming flowers and birds. The vase is primarily black with a white rim and base, contrasting with the colorful floral and avian designs. The flowers are in vibrant greens, yellows, pinks, and whites, while the birds have elongated shapes and textured feathers. The vase has a glossy finish, standing upright with a rounded body tapering towards a narrower neck, slightly curved at the base and top.
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The sculpture depicts a large decorative vase with intricate depictions of blooming flowers and birds. The vase is primarily black with a white rim and base, contrasting with the colorful floral and avian designs. The flowers are in vibrant greens, yellows, pinks, and whites, while the birds have elongated shapes and textured feathers. The vase has a glossy finish, standing upright with a rounded body tapering towards a narrower neck, slightly curved at the base and top.

National Gallery of Art · Decorative Art

Baluster Vase

Chinese Qing Dynasty

Date
Kangxi period, 1662/1722
Medium
porcelain with famille noire enamels on the biscuit
Dimensions
overall (height): 44.1 cm (17 3/8 in.)
Classification
Decorative Art · Ceramic
Accession number
1942.9.618
Credit line
Widener Collection
Time span
1651 to 1700
Department
CSD
Original NGA record Wikidata

Subjects and terms

  • Chinese
  • Decorative Arts. Part II: Far Eastern Ceramics and Paintings; Persian and Indian Rugs and Carpets
  • Kangxi
  • famille noire enamels
Provenance

Sir William Bennett [1852-1931]. (Gorer, London); sold 1910 to Peter A. B. Widener, Lynnewood Hall, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania; inheritance from Estate of Peter A. B. Widener by gift through power of appointment of Joseph E. Widener, Elkins Park, Pennsylvania; gift 1942 to NGA.

NGA object ID 1796. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.