This piece is representative of wares embellished with famille rose peony and cherry on yellow ground. The beautiful peony is enhanced by the green leaves. The sharp contrast between the tiny flowers against the yellow ground adds splendor to the whole presentation. This is the characteristic of the embellishment which prevailed in mid Qing Dynasty.
Nowadays, antique porcelain wares are becoming scare. Therefore, soft colored porcelain wares made in Qing Dynasty are sold at surprisingly high prices in world-wide auctions. For example, in November 1989, a famille rose vase (16 ½ " tall) with mark and period of Yongzhen was auctioned at Sotheby's, Hong Kong, and was sold for US $1,580,000.00 (auction Lot No. 302).
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Pottery was invented by the Chinese as early as 5000 BC. However, porcelain was not successfully made until the 10th century. It was even later in the 17th century that soft colored porcelain wares first appeared. The pigment for soft colors was obtained from the oxides of various metals with low melting points. It is an over-glaze. Soft-colored porcelain wares come in many designs, including the Indian lotus, human characters, flowers, fruit, dragons, phoenixes, birds, animals, aquatic plants and other patterns. The various emperors of Qing Dynasty (1662-1911 AD) loved the soft colored porcelain wares. Official kilns were set up to produce these items for use in the Royal Palace, and as gifts awarded to the relatives of the royal family and the accredited government officials. Soft colored porcelain wares were also very popular in Europe. From 17th century, European merchants and the Dutch East India Company ordered from China soft colored porcelain wares which were made to conform with the Western culture and styles. These porcelain wares were sold in Europe and America for high prices.
