Qing Vase
.
.Six-character
apocryphal
Yongzheng Seal Mark
8.5 centimeter width, 20 centimeter
height
Fine
condition.
| Very delicate vase. Unique shape
with a rich dark luster. Close examination reveals an almost mottled
mix of brown, yellow, green, and blue. The transition of the dark glaze to
the white areas shows a slight blue tint at the lip. This, combined with
the light silvery tint to the hard white porcelain would be characteristic
of the reign. However, the age cracks visible on the base are
beneath the glaze, placing the piece at a later
period. |
Click Thumbnail for full screen
image.
.
| Note:
Close
examination of the vase reveals the intent of the artist was to give a greenish
tint, but only to the neck by applying a light blue cobalt wash first.
This, mixing with the yellow in the brown, produced the effect. However
it is not viewable unless examined under the right lighting conditions. Another
very unique property of the vase is the effect left by
being held in the right hand by the artisan before applying the glaze. A
slight discoloration beneath the glaze clearly reveals a thumb print, and
four finger prints. The surface of the glaze is unaffected in these areas,
which says it was the oils in the hand which left the tell-tale
trace.
What appears as a black
vase is far from it. In the sunlight, it's shows like a polished gem full
of color and life, which in fact it is. |
.
~~~
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