Ceramic, sturdily potted in imitation of patinated bronze
China, 18th century
Of characteristic HU form in archaistic style
The sides with a round reserve with cherry blossoms and ruyi motif respectively
The upper rim with a revolving band of leiwen pattern, florets and pendant lappets
The splayed foot with diaper pattern
Two handles issuing from of dragon heads
Three donor sealmarks, incl. ‘Chen Wenjiao yin’, ‘Jingbo’
Height: 48.5 cm
Good condition consistent with age

A gentleman named Chen Jingbo was known as a Taiji master in the Qianlong period (1735-1795).



The archaistic bronze-style decoration and glaze of this vase are typical for the 18th century. A popular fashion of the time was to create objects in ceramic to imitate all kinds of other materials including lacquer, stone, wood and bronze. Collectibles in the style of the Shang, Zhou and Han dynasties were particularly popular. Emperor Qianlong (r. 1736-95), who was an ardent collector of antiques, saw himself as a preserver of the ancient Chinese cultural heritage and commissioned many contemporary objects crafted in ancient style. This practice was taken up by many wealthy donors from the nobility and upper classes during his reign.



For other vases made to imitate archaic bronze vessels compare: Regina Krahl, Chinese Ceramics from the Meiyintang Collection, vol. 2, London 1994, no. 953 for a Qianlong vase; Kangxi Yongzheng Qianlong, Hong Kong 1989, p. 394, no. 75 for a green-glazed and gilt example in the Palace Museum, Beijing; Qian Zhenzong, Qingdai ciqi shangjian, Hong Kong 1994, no. 152 for a FANGHU with a blue-green ‘patina’ and gilt relief decoration, and no. 153 for a brown-glazed HU; John Ayers, Chinese Ceramics in the Baur Collection, vol. 2, pl. 252 for a gilt GU-shaped vase and pl. 253 for a Jiaqing-marked jar imitating inlaid bronze.



Condition:

The vase is in overall good condition with wear consistent with age. The upper rim with some small chips and the foot rim with some breakages. The height measures 48.5 cm.



HU

HU means ‘jar’ in Chinese and refers to an ancient bronze vessel shape, which originated during the Shang period (c. 1600-1045 BC). It is characterized by a pear-shaped body with a flared neck. Common decorations weretaotie masks as well asleiwen thunder patterns and later also animal and geometric motifs. HU jars traditionally served as a wine vessels for ritual uses and were stored in tombs filled with food and wine for the afterlife.

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