Description A large finely-decorated Chinese blue and white porcelain "Romance of the Western Chamber" gu-form beaker vase
The flared neck decorated with a scene from "Romance of the Western Chamber" likely when Zhang Gong, accompanied by a monk, first sees Cui Yingying and her handmaid Hongniang, in a walled gardern and pavilion, all above a band of foliate pomegranate sprays at the subtly swelling waist, with another band of pendant leaf lappets below, slightly flared foot.
H: 18 in.
PROVENANCE:
Private collection, New York, NY
NOTE: The form of the present vase, the fine blue and the delicate painting all suggest a date of manufacture, circa 1640-60. For a vase of similar form and scale, see Michael Butler et al "Shunzhi Porcelain, Treasures from an Unknown Reign", Seattle, 2002, pp. 186-7, no. 55. See also Julia B. Curtis, "Chinese Porcelains of the Seventeenth Century...", New York, 1995, p. 132, no. 54, for a slightly larger (18 7/8 in.) polychrome-decorated example. For a vase with similar pomegranate sprays at the waist, dated in accordance with 1638, see ibid. pp. 110-11, no. 41.
The depiction of scenes from "Romance of the Western Chamber" were extremely popular in the Ming and Qing dynasties. For additional 17th century porcelains decorated with scenes from the "Romance", see Sir Michael Butler et al, "Seventeenth Century Porcelain from the Butler Family Collection", Alexandria, 1990, p. 82, no. 41, p. 181, no. 125, and p. 196, no.136
Condition Report Descriptions provided in both printed and on-line catalogue formats do not include condition reports. The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance only. Any reference to condition in the condition report for the lot does not amount to a full description of condition. The images of the lot form part of the condition report for the lot provided by Freeman's. Certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot. In particular, the online images may represent colors and shades which are different to the lot's actual color and shades. The condition report for the lot may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the condition report for the lot or shown in the online images of the lot. The condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation because Freeman's is not a professional conservator or restorer but rather the condition report is a statement of opinion genuinely held by Freeman's. For that reason, Freeman's condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot. All transactions are governed by Freeman's Conditions of Sale.
