The shape of this early Kangxi (ca. 1662-1680 AD) vase resembles some Song Dynasty Yu Hu Chwen Ping (玉壺春瓶 ). This shape is unique for and is rare. The body is made of very fine white clay with grayish tint and is quite thick and heavy, reminiscent of the thick walled early Ming porcelain. Its glaze has a pale grayish green tint and some surface shine, reminiscent of early Ming Xuande’s “Shining Green Glaze” (宣德亮青釉). Early Kangxi imperial factory is known to imitate early Ming wares. However, the pale cobalt blue and the very refined painting are definitely early Kangxi. The line drawing and the gentle washing of the blue to cover the areas within the outlines are unprecedentedly delicate. Thus the eyes, ears, noses, beard, the crowns/head dresses, the fingers, and the facial expressions are vividly depicted with fine lines. In the painting, the 8 immortals ride on clouds and gather above mystical garden by the lakeside. Each of them carries his/her instruments. The garden has a pine tree, some exotic plants, and weird rocks and peaks. These strange motifs appear primarily in late Ming porcelain. The outer base has a very well-written Kangxi imperial mark within a double circle. Vases like this are primarily used for decorating imperial household or literati desks. Due to over 350 years of aging, the mouth rim has a few very minute chips. From Dr. Robert I-San Lin (#329), 86-year old senior Chinese artwork appraiser appointed by China Commission on Artwork Authentication, whose grandfather was a major Chinese antique collector/dealer in early 1900s. (His bio, published in Journal of Authentication of Artworks, 2015, is available on request). Brought to California in 1960s. 康熙早期青花玉壺春瓶.畫工之細幾乎空前絕後. H.25.3 cm; 1049 grams.

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