A CHINESE UNDERGLAZE BLUE AND RED AND SLIP-DECORATED BALUSTER JAR AND COVER

A CHINESE UNDERGLAZE BLUE AND RED AND SLIP-DECORATED BALUSTER JAR AND COVER
KANGXI 1662-1722

Finely decorated with four pairs of cranes amidst lotus in different stages of bloom, issuing from large leafy stems and water weeds, the slip-decorated cranes and lotus flowers feature lightly incised details on the plumage and petals, all beneath sprays of chrysanthemum and cherry blossoms, the domed cover similarly decorated with lotus in full bloom, and the base with an artemisia mark. 40.5cm overall. (2)

Provenance: from the Mark and Elizabeth Harding Collection, South Africa.

Cf. Christie's New York, 22rd March 2007, lot 328 for an underglaze blue and red, celadon and slip-decorated jar and cover.

The lotus, a revered theme in Chinese literati art, was likened by Song dynasty philosopher Zhou Dunyi to the scholar-gentleman, symbolising purity despite adversity. During the Ming-Qing transition, this imagery resonated with scholar-officials, reflecting resilience and hope. On the vase, the lotus, lian and reed, lu create a rebus for yilu lianke, a blessing for success in the Civil Service examinations.


清康熙 青花釉裡紅一鷺蓮科將軍罐
來源：南非Mark及Elizabeth Harding 收藏。