Kangxi Wucai and Blue Vases with Bird and Flower Decor
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Two Chinese Wucai and powder blue vases, Kangxi period (1661-1722), each decorated with shaped reserves containing flowers and birds in wucai enamels against a powder blue and gilt ground, the taller vase 23 cm high, 11 cm diameter.
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- Powder-Blue - Powder-blue, also known as "Jingdezhen blue" or "suffuse blue," is a captivating decorative technique used in Chinese ceramics from the 15th to the 19th centuries. Its name aptly reflects the application method, where finely ground cobalt oxide is dusted onto the ceramic surface, creating a soft, ethereal blue hue. The uneven dusting results in soft gradations of blue, with darker spots around contours and lighter areas on flat surfaces. The blue often appears translucent, allowing the underlying clay colour to subtly influence the final shade.
Powder-blue was primarily used on porcelain, particularly in high-end pieces produced in Jingdezhen, the famed porcelain capital of China, but its popularity declined in the latter part of the 19th century.
This item has been included into following indexes:
- Chinese ceramics, decoration - powder-blue 39
- Chinese ceramics, dynasty mark or period
- Chinese ceramics, famille decoration - famille verte, Wucai, vases 148
- Chinese ceramics, item type - vases, other 2,484