Polychrome ceramic octagonal vase, Minguo

An octagonal porcelain vase with polychrome decoration and scenes in underglaze cinnabar blue. It has a narrow mouth decorated with a thin rim decorated with a succession of geometric motifs in blue, followed by a thin neck with a conical profile that widens at the shoulders. On either side of the slender neck are two handles in the shape of clouds decorated with scrolls in relief. The body narrows towards the base, taking on an hourglass shape. 

The vase alternates between blue and vibrantly coloured decorations on each of its sides. The neck is finely decorated with beautiful blossoming branches, interspersed with peach branches and bats surrounding the Chinese symbol of prosperity. The body, likewise, shows elongated scenes of children playing in the palace gardens, divided by elongated peach blossom branches, together with a small bat. 

The base reads ‘江西瓷业公司’. Known as the Jiangxi Porcelain Company, it emerged in the early 20th century (1902 - 1949) as the successor to the traditional Jingdezhen kilns and was considered the official contemporary kiln of Chinese ceramics, producing pieces of exquisite quality.

Height: 46 cm