333.
A ‘HIDDEN DECORATION’ WHITE GLAZED BALUSTER VASE
Qing dynasty, 18th century
23 cm high
Provenance: Naples, Villa della Floridiana, Museo Duca di Martina, Placido de Sangro (1829-1891) collection.
inv. n. 3428.
The anhua (“hidden decoration”) decorative technique on porcelain wares – on this vase consisting of floral meanders and geometrical bands – was very popular during the Yongle period when also the white glaze was favoured because of the importance of this colour in Buddhist rituals. It continued to be used also later, especially during the eighteenth century when this vase was made.
In the “Commemorative Stele on Ceramic Production” (Taocheng jishi bei ji) compiled in 1735, Tang Ying mentioned three types of white glazes produced in the Jingdezhen Imperial kilns during his mandate. One was explicitly described as an attempt to reproduce Yongle pieces, also with engraved and moulded designs.
