Fine gilt decorated baluster vase in the style of the female form. Starting at the slightly flared base, gilt decoration of inverted ruyi-heads with scrolls among large upright leaves. Above this border are 32 extremely detailed roundels. A wide border at the shoulder features four hibiscus blooms with a delicate scroll divided by four more upright leaves. A small stiff-leaf border at the base of the neck followed by eight more roundels. A wide zig-zag border at the lip. Creamy white glaze at the flare. The lip once had gilt, now worn off almost completely. Other areas also show slight wear. Overall condition exceptional for the age.

A very slight off-white tint to the base which has a freely written six-character reign mark signifying mid to late Kangxi.

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The baluster form is seen as early as the Shang dynasty (c. 1523 - c.1028 BC) in the more primitive bronzes. A few rare pottery specimens exist from the earlier Neolithic period in China. The Kangxi reign is considered to be the pinnacle of perfection for the black glaze. This exact style (shape), but in famille-verte, also Kangxi, was featured in the Sotheby's Tuesday, 14th November, 1989 third session, Lot 258  in Hong Kong.

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