China Celadon Vase – Blue and White Scholar Objects, 19th Century

Description

China celadon vase features blue and white decoration depicting symbolic objects associated with the scholar’s world. Dating to the 19th century and coming from an old collection, it measures 42.7 cm in height and weighs 3.46 kg.

The rounded body rises to a narrower neck and a broad flared mouth. Applied animal-shaped ornaments, highlighted in blue, decorate the sides of the neck. Their sculptural forms provide a contrast to the painted decoration on the body.

The principal design brings together scrolls, books, vessels and a game board, interspersed with flowing ribbons. These motifs evoke treasured possessions and scholarly pursuits. The varied objects create a lively composition, with the ribbons linking the individual elements across the pale celadon ground.

The blue decoration ranges from fine outlines to broader areas of colour. Pale details within the motifs give depth to the design, while the restrained background allows each object to remain clearly visible.

China celadon vase with scholar-object decoration

The reverse is largely undecorated, revealing the soft colour of the glaze and the rounded profile of the vessel. This contrast between the decorated front and the quieter reverse is an important part of the vase’s appearance.

At 42.7 cm high, this is a substantial display piece. Its broad mouth, rounded shoulders and applied ornaments make it suitable for a collection of Chinese porcelain or as a focal point in an interior.

The surface shows manufacturing irregularities, including dark inclusions, small pits and localised glaze withdrawals. The unglazed foot rim displays wear and discolouration. These features are visible in the accompanying photographs.

Details

• Origin: China.

• Period: 19th century.

• Material: porcelain.

• Decoration: blue and white motifs on a pale celadon ground.

• Subject: symbolic objects, scrolls, books, vessels, a game board and ribbons.

• Neck decoration: applied animal-shaped ornaments.

• Height: 42.7 cm.

• Weight: 3.46 kg.

• Provenance: an old collection.

This China celadon vase combines a substantial size with an engaging symbolic design, appealing to collectors of Chinese ceramics and scholar-themed decoration.