Blue and White Porcelain Vase with Shou Characters, China, Qing Dynasty, probably Kangxi period (1662-1722). Photo courtesy Auctionata 

Jingdezhen ware. White glazed porcelain with blue underglaze painting. Extensive decor with Chinese ‘shou’ characters. Extremely fine calligraphy set in perfect symmetry. Baluster form. Height: 48 cm. Very good condition. Estimation : 19 200 € / 24 000 €

Provenance: Private collection.

This porcelain vase was created in China during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), probably during the reign of Emperor Kangxi (1662-1722).
The vase has a slender baluster form with an accentuated shoulder and a cylindrical neck with a flaring lip.
The body of the perfectly white glazed porcelain vase is adorned with an elegant all-over decor of symmetrically set Chinese ‘shou’ (= long life) characters in blue underglaze painting.
The individual calligraphic characters feature a slight relief.
The slightly flared foot rim as well as the lip are emphasised with a fine geometrical bordure, framing the ornamental ‘shou’ decor.
The inside of the vase is also glazed in white.

The shape of the vase, the flawlessly spaced lettering and the perfect dark blue colour are typical features of the products from the Jingdezhen kilns in Jiangxi province.
There, the first porcelain ware with longevity symbols were produced during the Jiajing period (1522-1566). Later, under Emperor Kangxi, pieces with the ‘1000 shou characters’ imagery became popular treasures from Jingdezhen.

The vase is in very good condition with hardly any signs of age and wear. A tiny, hardly discernible notch to the lip and minimal manufacturing flaws can be discerned here and there.

AUCTIONATA. Art d'Asie et Art de l'Islam. 14 Août 2014 à 6:00 pm. FRANKLINSTRASSE 13, 4. STOCK, D-10587 BERLIN. Tel: +49 30 9832 0222 - E-mail: vorgebot@auctionata.com