Mid Qing Dynasty Blue and White "General's Jar" with Interlaced Lotus Scroll Decoration

拍品描述

Dimensions: Overall height 42 cm (16.54 in./1.38 ft); lid diameter 17.5 cm (6.89 in.); 18th century. Condition and provenance: With original lid. The body is free of cracks, repairs, or major damage. The painted decoration is clear and complete, the glaze is lustrous, and the foot rim is naturally exposed. From a private collection in California, USA. Description: This exquisite covered jar is a classic example of a Qing dynasty "general's jar," characterized by a domed lid adorned with a jewel-shaped knob and a robust, columnar body. The broad shoulders, full body, and sturdy foot rim create a majestic silhouette, making it one of the most recognizable decorative vessels of the Qing dynasty. The body is covered in a bright white glaze, with meticulously painted bands of decoration in deep cobalt blue. The lid is decorated with dense, curling chrysanthemums, below which is a continuous pattern of ruyi clouds. The neck is decorated with a geometric band and pendant ruyi patterns, flowing smoothly into the body. The porcelain body is adorned with intricately curled lotus vines, blooming lotus flowers, and delicate lotus pods, forming an elegant and flowing pattern. The fine brushstrokes, balanced spacing, and vibrant cobalt blue hue contrast sharply with the pristine white porcelain ground. A band of upright wheel-leaf patterns at the bottom adds a strong visual impact to the piece. The recessed foot rim exhibits a typical sand-ring shape, revealing the naturally exposed body with traces of iron-red firing; the center of the glaze retains the fine kiln spots characteristic of Qing dynasty porcelain. The porcelain was fired using a high-temperature, single-stage underglaze blue technique, resulting in a rich and varied cobalt blue hue, with natural iron spots visible in the deeper glaze areas. This large covered jar was originally used to store valuables and served as an important decorative piece in the reception hall, representing the mature craftsmanship and exquisite decorative style of mid-Qing dynasty blue-and-white porcelain. It and another vessel are well-preserved and remain outstanding representatives of domestically produced Qing dynasty porcelain.

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