BLUE AND WHITE GINGER JAR
This is one of the designs embellished on Chinese export porcelain during the 19th-20th Century. It was made to very high standards by an expert and is an imitation of a Ming ware (1368-1643 AD). The pattern of the twining peony and Indian lotus flowers and stems was done in blue and white under glaze of very fine quality. The color tone, the drawings style and the embellishment on the base of the ware bear strong characteristics of the blue and white which prevailed in Yongzhen Period (1723-1735 AD). The flowers and the ruyi pattern on the rim of the mouth are set against a dark blue background. A scroll of grass pattern on the base of the vase is topped by a band of lotus leaves glazed in dark blue. This graceful and beautiful presentation is an excellent reproduction of the distinguished blue and white porcelain wares of the old times.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Pottery was invented by the Chinese as early as 5,000 B.C. However, porcelain was not successfully made until the 10th century. It was even later in 13th century that blue and white porcelain wares first appeared. The pigment for blue and white porcelain is 'cobalt oxide'. It is an under-glaze. The outline of the embellishment is drawn with light and heavy blue lines and the color is washed to lighter shades to contrast the white porcelain. This treatment gives the designs both grace and beauty. Blue and white porcelain comes in many styles, and the designs used include the Indian lotus, human characters, flowers, fruit, dragons, phoenixes, birds, animals, and other patterns. The various emperors of Yuan, Ming, Qing dynasties loved the blue and white porcelain wares, and exquisite items were made by the official kilns for use by the emperors and their family members, and as gifts awarded to the nobility and accredited government officials. Blue and white porcelain wares were also very popular in Europe. From 17th century onwards, European merchants and the Dutch East India Company ordered from China blue and white porcelain wares which conformed with the Western culture and styles. These porcelain wares were sold in Europe and America for high profits. Nowadays these antique blue and white porcelain wares made in Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties are auctioned at very high prices. For example, a blue and white dragon moon flask (10-1/8" high), Yongle, Ming Dynasty was auctioned at the Sotheby's, Hong Kong in November 1986 for HK $7,150,000.00.
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