#doucai

[thatshowthingstarted]

A magnificent and extremely rare large doucai vase,

This vase looked particularly special. Not only is it large, 52.7 cm from base to lip, it is decorated using the difficult and costly doucai technique, which involved painting fine underglaze outlines in cobalt-blue onto porous, unfired clay, allowing no room for error.

The striking design of lotus blossoms and leafy scrolls also incorporated a number of auspicious symbols, including a band of stylised bats above clouds on the shoulder, four gilt wan  on the body, and a series of ruyi  motifs based on the form of a lingzhi  fungus.

Qianlong six-character seal mark in underglaze-blue and of the period (1736-1795).

52.7 cm (20¾ in) high

[arthistoryanimalia]

#FrogFriday 🐸:

Frog Vase China, late Qing Dynasty, c.1900 polychrome doucai porcelain H 5.52 in (14 cm) x W 8.27 in (21 cm) x D 10.24 in (26 cm)

Description: "We are pleased to present this large, polychrome doucai-decorated frog vase, a remarkable piece from the late Qing dynasty. The vase is colourfully adorned in overglaze famille rose & underglaze blue on white ground, techniques that exemplify this type of Chinese ceramic artistry. The central motif features a vivid tableau of lotus leaves, flowers, & birds. Each element is not merely decorative but steeped in cultural symbolism. The lotus represents purity & enlightenment, while the crane is a symbol of longevity & good fortune. The doucai decoration brings these motifs to life, capturing the nuances of color & form in exquisite detail. Adding to its historical & artistic significance, the vase bears an iron red script Kaishu mark to the base reading "義謙堂龍年製" (Yi Qian Tang Long Nian Zhi). This mark not only authenticates the piece but also situates it within the broader context of late Qing dynasty ceramic production in the Canton region."