BALUSTER VASES with Covers -2-

A symmetrical pair of large, broad baluster vases with deep domed cove with bud shaped finials. Decorated with crowded battle scenes painted in "wu ts'ai" (the Ming five colours: u \ g blue and red, green, yellow and purple enamels). The decoration is between etched brown borders at base and shoulder and the neck is decorated wi stylized plants and scrolling foliage. The covers also have etched brown borders. These vases meet most of the criteria for Transitional wares in that they are strongly built, have a thick glaze and meet the criteria for decorati of that period (between Wan-li (1573-1619) and K'ang Hsi (1662-1722) i.e. earl to mid 17th C) except for the requirement of a clear white body. However the body appears to have been stained over the years (checking with Conservation). The bases are marked with a double blue circle, under the glaze. The Vases wer bought by Mrs. Sidney Smith ( 1880 - ) in Belgium in 1925 and were reputedly taken from China at the time of the Boxer Rebellion (1900).

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History Collection

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