Chinese Qing Dynasty Blue and White Porcelain Mallet Vase

Dubbed as production of the "Chinese Modern Official Kiln", a small group of porcelains of the highest standard were produced in Jingdezhen from 1962-1967, The production was aimed as a revival of the Chinese porcelain after the foundation of the Republic in 1949 in order to serve the purpose of decorating the meeting halls for the newly renewed diplomatic relations around the globe. The best available materials and artists, including the painters and potters, were employed to achieve a high quality that rivaled the pieces produced during the pinnacle years in the porcelain production in the previous Qing dynasty. Due to the breakout of the Cultural Revolution, most of the pieces failed to be used as intended. Most if not all signatures, such as found on this vase, were added later as a hallmark to distinguish them. "Zhong Nai Hai Huai Ren Tang Treasures Porcelain Research Bureau year of 1962". Zhong Nai Hai is the residential and working compound for Chinese political elites in Beijing and Huai Ren Hall being an important meeting hall. The pieces from "Modern Official Kiln" ubiquitously showcase perfectly balanced forms with precision in symmetry. The use of very high quality Gaolin clay resulted in a semi translucent body, often quite thinly potted. The superbly underglaze paint were sandwiched between a pre-applied glaze and then an overglaze, and the elaborate designs were drawn by master painters. Often, there is a hidden red Chinese National Emblem on the interior wall. These features were all well reflected in this piece. The decoration of the blue paint on the vase is of a classic regal composition and the cobalt blue is of a vivid radiating color. Blooming peonies, an old laurel tree with blossom and scholar rocks provide the background and anchor for a pair of pheasants. One raises its head to crow while the other one looks down. These motifs are commonly found in classic Chinese scroll paintings, a genre called "Flower and Bird Painting". On the back of the vase, there are Chairman Mao's head portrait watermarked in the glaze as well as a cursive poem with a collection number as shown. For a pair of blue and white vase of the same production, see sale by Singapore International Auction PTE ltd on July 21st, 2019 lot 2014. For a pair of blue and white urns...

A small Korean water dropper in rectangular form with beveled edges, circa early 19th century of the Joseon Dynasty. The milky white porcelain pie...

A rare and attractive pair Chinese Qing Jun-ware Foo dogs decorated in liver red glazes and dating from around 1850. The porcelain dogs are heavily made and stand raised on rectangul...

A very large & rare antique Chinese Qing Dynasty Blue & White Porcelain Rouleau dragon vase, Kangxi period (1662-1722), the vase dating to the late 1600s. The vase of slightly tapere...

A small Korean ceramic water dropper in square form circa 19th century late Joseon Dynasty. It features an underglaze blue painting of a full cluster of ...

An antique Korean ritual incense burner circa 19th century, late Joseon dynasty. It was made in Bunwon Kiln in Gwangju, Gyeonggi Do, near Seoul. The ceramic container has a thickly b...

A stunning carved and pierced Chinese jade vase, Qing Dynasty, 19th century. The vase is carved with a design of birds, flowers and trees, each rife ...

An extremely rare and finely made Chinese Kangxi porcelain blanc de chine figure of a cockerel. The cockerel stands on a shaped base with good feather detailing and stands crowing wi...

A very fine pair antique Chinese Kangxi porcelain famille verte Buddhist Lion joss stick holders dating between 1662 and 1722. The dogs sit raised on...

An extremely finely carved antique Chinese Qing dynasty, Celadon green triple vase/brush washer with an Imperial Dragon from behind attacking a bird in fro...