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The sculpture depicts a tall black vase with a flared neck. The vase is decorated with the design of blooming flowers and small black birds perched among brown branches. The flowers are in shades of white and blue with pale yellow centers. The bottom of the vase features angular green and blue patterns resembling mossy rocks.
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The sculpture depicts a tall black vase with a flared neck. The vase is decorated with the design of blooming flowers and small black birds perched among brown branches. The flowers are in shades of white and blue with pale yellow centers. The bottom of the vase features angular green and blue patterns resembling mossy rocks.

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): 74.9 cm (29 1/2 in.)
Classification
Decorative Art · Ceramic
Accession number
1942.9.626
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

Thomas B. Clarke [1848-1931], New York; sold 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.

Inscription

on the base in underglaze blue with a lingzhi mushroom mark within a double circle

NGA object ID 1804. 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.