Faceted Hu-shaped Vase with Tubular Handles and Iron-Rust Glaze
DateQianlong period (1736–1795) of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Mediumporcelain with a crystalline glaze rich in iron and manganese
Dimensions26 cm (10 1/4 in.)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineMuseum purchase
Terms
Object number1954.119
DescriptionVase with wooden base. Iron rust, hexagonal form, scroll handles noted as Chinese on list.Label TextThe powerful Manchu ruler, Qianlong (r. 1736–95), a connoisseur of antiquities who aimed to “restore the ancient ways,” encouraged his artisans to emulate the shapes and motifs of ancient and classic art works. This vase, with its flattened hexagonal shape, waisted neck flanked by a pair of tubular handles, is reminiscent of Song dynasty ceramics that emulated the shape of an ancient bronze hu. The vase is covered with a high-fired, crystalline “iron-rust” glaze (tiexiuhua) that was especially used during the Yongzheng and Qianlong reigns. Supersaturating the glaze with iron and manganese produced a dark reddish-brown color with bright metallic sheen, imitating bronze.ProvenanceWilder D. Bancroft, Ithaca, NY
On View
On view
South China
Qianlong period (1736–1795) of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
Kangxi period (1662–1722) of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
Jiaqing period (1796–1820) of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
Late Yuan dynsaty (1279–1368)
Chinese
Southern Song period (1127–1279)
Chinese
Qianlong period (1736–1795) of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
8th or 9th century, Tang dynasty (618–906)
Chinese
Qianlong period (1736–1795) of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911)