Product Description:

This is a stunning handmade Tianqiuping vase from circa 1950-1960s. It stands at approximately 5.5” tall. The opening at the top has a diameter of 2”. The base has a diameter of 1.5” across. The vase weighs 0.8 lbs.

This vase is exquisite and in excellent condition. It is gilded, with carefully crafted flowers created with champlevé details. The 3-dimensional effect created by the champlevé lotus work is quite striking. The flowers, ruyi and lingzhi diaper patterns are in deep, vibrant colours against a gold ground, which encompasses the entire body of the vase. The bottom of the vase is decorated with a fish scale diaper pattern. One can tell that this piece has been made with pride and excellent materials. Jingtai blue can be seen at the bottom of the vase.

Please refer to pictures for further details.

All reasonable offers will be considered.

About Chinese symbolism found in this piece:

The Lotus:

The Lotus is one of the most important flowers in Chinese culture. Buddhists all over the world recognize this Lotus as signifying the holy seat of the Buddha. In Chinese culture, the Lotus symbolizes ultimate purity of the heart and mind and perfection because it rises untainted and beautiful from the mud.

Source: Nargez Koshoibekova The Meaning of Flowers: Symbolism of Flowers in Chinese Culture: The World of Chinese

Lingzhi:

Lingzhi has been viewed as a magic herb as well as an auspicious symbol by the Chinese. It is, therefore, also known as "Ruizhi," "Shenzhi," and "Xiancao," with the meaning of good fortune and mysterious power.

Source: Lin Zhiblin Ganoderma (Lingzhi) in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chinese Culture. National Library of Medicine

About Chinese Cloisonné:

Chinese cloisonné can be traced to prior to the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368). Enamel artisans have refined this technique over many centuries. The process involved creating an outline of a design or partitions (cloisons in French) by soldering brass wires onto metal surfaces of either brass or copper. Enamel colouring then was melted, cooled, solidified, and lastly made into a powder made into a paste.

Once the enamel paste was set onto the copper surface, it was sent to the kiln for firing and solidifying. After the enamel cooled, it contracted and more enamel would be added to the remaining open spaces. This process would be repeated several more. Towards the end of the process, the enamel and the soldered brass wires would be given a smooth finishing in order to blend the wires together with the enamel. The remaining brass wires, top and bottom rim of the finished piece would get gold-plated at the end.

About Jing Tai Lan Cloisonné:

"The 7th emperor of the Ming Dynasty was named Jintai. Cloisonné made in this time was the highest quality handwork and was created for the Chinese royal family. Blue enamelware, in particular, sapphire blue and peacock blue were most popular as these were the predominant colours used in making cloisonné pieces."

Reference: "Cloisonné" from Beijing Travels and The Encyclopedia of Crafts in the Asia Pacific Region