This large Qing Dynasty blue and white porcelain Happiness Temple Jar is an antique gem that is sure to impress collectors and enthusiasts alike. This beautiful urn features sharp and brilliant underglaze cobalt blue, hand painted double happiness character on four sides among a backdrop of intricate scrolling vines and peony floral decoration. The top of the jar has the Meander border, representing clouds and rolling thunder which symbolized the life giving rain and abundance it brought to farming people. Smaller vines and flowers circle the rim. The lid’s has the same beautiful cobalt blue shades with 2 Happiness characters, scrolling vines, peonies and the meandering border along the bottom rim. The jar intricate hand painted design is a testament to the skills of the artisans who crafted these gorgeous pieces.
Including the top, this piece measures approximately 18.5”H x 10”W (at widest point) x 8.75” base diameter. Without lid, the jar measures 15”H with a 5.5” diameter mouth opening. The jar is in very nice condition with a few firing flaws such as rust spots which are due to the iron in the clay that has moved to the surface and oxidized, and a couple of small glaze contractions. The lid also has the rust spots, and a larger contraction just beneath the knob, and has some flea bite chipping around knob edge and bottom rim (see last photo). These imperfections are consistent with age and are to be expected in genuine pieces. Please review all photos as they are part of the description.
This stunning, large jar is certainly a statement piece and perfect for adding elegance to any room. Don't hesitate to add this rare and valuable antique to your collection today. Also, I will be listing another similar jar that looks beautiful with this piece if you are looking for a pair of these large jars. Both are the cobalt blue happiness jars, but obviously they are not an exact match in size, design or color shade as they are both original handcrafted and hand painted pieces, but do make a lovely pair. Also, if interested in the other jar, please know I would not be able to combine shipping as they are quite large and need to be shipped separately.