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The sculpture is a vase with intricate nature designs. It is predominantly black, with vibrant white, green, and yellow decorations. The vase features a pattern of blossoming flowers and yellow birds, with elements of nature such as rocks and trees at the base. It has a flared top, and is made of a smooth, glossy material. The craftsmanship is detailed, especially the floral and avian elements. The layering of imagery creates depth in the depiction.
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The sculpture is a vase with intricate nature designs. It is predominantly black, with vibrant white, green, and yellow decorations. The vase features a pattern of blossoming flowers and yellow birds, with elements of nature such as rocks and trees at the base. It has a flared top, and is made of a smooth, glossy material. The craftsmanship is detailed, especially the floral and avian elements. The layering of imagery creates depth in the depiction.

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: 69.2 x 27.3 cm (27 1/4 x 10 3/4 in.)
Classification
Decorative Art · Ceramic
Accession number
1942.9.627
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

falsely inscribed on the base in underglaze blue in three columns of two characters each: Da Ming Chenghua nian zhi (made in the Chenghua reign of the great Ming dynasty)

NGA object ID 1805. 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.