Vase with archaistic design

Unknown Artist

late 18th century

Vase with archaistic design by Unknown Artist

Medium

Porcelain with low relief decoration under turqoise glaze (Jingdezhen ware)

Dimensions

H. 12 5/8 in. (32.1 cm)

Classification

Ceramics

Culture & Period

China · Qing dynasty (1644–1911)

Department

Asian Art

Museum

Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY

Credit

Purchase by subscription, 1879

Accession Number

79.2.885

Art Historical Context

This elegant vase from China's Qing dynasty (1644–1), crafted in the late 18th century, exemplifies pinnacle of porcelain artistry at Jingdezhen, the world's premier center for imperial ceramics. Standing at 12⅝ inches tall, it a striking turquoise glaze that envelops low-relief decorations, a technique where motifs are subtly carved or molded before glazing. This creates a tactile depth that catches the light, enhancing the vase's luminous quality. The "archa design" nods to ancient Chinese bronzes and jades from earlier dynasties like the Zhou or Han, reflecting the Qing emperors' fascinati...

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