Vase
Qing dynasty (1644–1911), Kangxi period (1662–1722)
Medium
Grey pottery with brown crackle glaze decoration Ex-Morgan collection
Dimensions
18.8 × 12.8 cm (7 3/8 × 5 1/16 in.); Diam.: 12.8 cm (5 1/16 in.)
Classification
porcelain
Department
Arts of Asia
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
42209
Art Historical Context
This elegant vase hails from China's Qing dynasty during the Kangxi period (2–1722), a golden era for ceramic arts under the patronage of Emperor Kangxi. amid the flourishing imperial kilns, particularly at Jingdezhen, it exemplifies the technical mastery of the time, when potters experimented with diverse bodies and glazes to create wares for both courtly and scholarly use. Standing at just 18.8 cm tall with a 12.8 cm diameter, compact baluster form was ideal for displaying seasonal flowers or as a desk ornament in literati studios. Crafted from grey porcelain—a high-fired, vitrified clay bo...
About the Artist
Unknown
The artist designated as "Unknown" in our virtual museum's collection exemplifies a poignant chapter in art history: creators whose identities have faded into obscurity despite the enduring power of their work. With only one known artwork attributed to them in our holdings, this figure represents countless anonymous hands that shaped visual culture across centuries. Museums worldwide, including th...