Beaker Vase with Design of Figures in a Mountainous Landscape (Blue-and-white ware)
DateKangxi period (1662–1722) of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Mediumporcelain with cobalt blue decoration under clear lime-alkali glaze
Dimensions43.8 cm (17 1/4 in.)
ClassificationsCeramics
Credit LineMuseum purchase
Object number1910.38
DescriptionBaluster shape, decoration of mountain and river scenes in blue on white. Two bands of ornamentation on the neck and one on the rim. Style of middle Ming period. No. 96 Williams collection. 7/18/51 J. Plumer: Liked this piece. Good caricature though mountain somewhat heavy. Gathered he thought it a good exhibition piece.Label TextInspired by classical paintings, this scene of mountains, water, a pavilion and a distant hut is enlivened by figures. Included are a scholar with an assistant, a man ferrying a boat with a pole, a man walking with a basket over his shoulder and a fisherman with a large hat and a fishing pole (see p. 95). The painterly style of the scene, in brilliant sapphire blue contrasted against a pure white background, was highly favored among the increasingly prosperous and educated middle classes who, like the literati, often dreamt of escaping everyday life under the domination of the non-native Manchu dynasty. Like many vessels of this type, this vase is also adorned with decorative bands; here they are serrated, ruyi-and-cloud-design and petal-shaped bands. Blue-andwhite wares were offered for purchase in cities along the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. From the end of the Kangxi period, they were increasingly exported to Japan and Europe.ProvenanceEmile F. Williams, Boston, MA
On View
On view
Chinese
early 15th century, Ming dynasty (1368–1644)
Chinese
Yongzheng period (1723–1735) of the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
early 16th century
Chinese
Kangxi Period (1662–1722) of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
Kangxi period (1662–1722) of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
Late Northern Song Dynasty (1042–1127)
Chinese
12th or 13th century, Northern Song dynasty (960–1127) or Southern song dynasty (1127–1279)
Chinese
Qianlong period (1736–1795) of the Qing dynasty (1644–1911)
Chinese
late 11th century –early 12th century, Northern Song dynasty (960-1127)