Item No.: 1059
Name: A blue-and-white hu-form vase with landscape decoration
Period: Qing dynasty, Yongzheng reign
Height: 20.1 cm
The vase has a slightly flared mouth, a straight neck, a gently swelling body, and an outward flare near the low ring foot. The recessed base is unglazed. Compared with similar Kangxi vessels, its height is only a little over half as great, making it more suitable for viewing and handling at close range.
The three decorative registers nevertheless retain features of the preceding reign. The upper register depicts a visitor carrying a qin to meet a friend, together with scenes of fishermen’s leisure. Plum blossoms, orchids, bamboo, and chrysanthemums occupy the middle register, while landscapes and boats appear below. Compared with the bold forms and strong blue contrasts of Kangxi examples, this vase is more delicate, with lighter colors and softer washes.
For a comparison with Kangxi examples, see Chen Runmin, ed., Qing Shunzhi Kangxi Chao Qinghua Ci, in the Palace Museum’s series of selected Qing porcelain, p. 485.