Pot
Author: Unknown
Origin: Jingdezhen Kilns, China
Dating: 17th century (Qing Dynasty, Kangxi period)
Material: Porcelain
Dimensions (cm): 65,8 x Ø 49,8
Inv. no.: PD0330
One of two baluster-shaped pots. A piece made on a lathe, assembled in two parts, whose junction is visible on the inside. The porcelain is white and heavy, covered in a slightly bluish glaze.
The decoration fills the entire outer surface of the pots, which are painted in greyish cobalt blue. On the neck and at the beginning of the shoulder one may see – between the correspondent blue lines – a winding of lotus leaves and flowers and a border of ruyi heads and vegetal windings – in panels of stylized lotus stems.
Around the objects’ shoulders, there are floral lambrequins with blue ruyi heads. On the body, two pairs of large peonies stand out.
The decoration of these pots consists of very common elements in Chinese culture, such as the Ruyi, that literally means “as you wish” or “good luck” in Chinese – one of the auspicious symbols for a long and fruitful life. This symbol derives from the ruyi sceptre, an object used in rituals of Buddhist worship, topped by a stylized lingzhi. Besides spring, the peony symbolizes wealth and good luck; the lotus is the symbol of summer, purity and youth – themes dear to the Buddhist and Taoist religions.
Kangxi Period
The Kangxi Emperor was one of the most important in Chinese history. His 61-year reign (1662-1722) was the longest in Chinese history and consolidated the power of the new Qing dynasty.
In terms of porcelain production, the Kangxi period was both innovative and a continuum of various techniques used previously. A large investment was made in the Jingdezhen manufacturing centre, reaching 3000 kilns.
The painting techniques, which developed during the Ming dynasty, reached a high level of technical refinement during the Kangxi period. In addition to the production of “blue and white” porcelain, the Famille-Verte (Green Family) was created – a palette composed of green, iron red, yellow, and purple, with blue enamel being added later (c. 1700).
This period became an era of great splendour that continued through the following reigns.
