Vase with wave pattern, Qingbai-related ware

Detail of a pattern
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At A Glance

  • Period

    13th century
  • Geography

    Fuzhou city, Jiangxi province, China
  • Material

    Porcelain with transparent pale-ivory (qingbai-related) glaze
  • Dimension

    H x W x D: 15.4 x 10.2 x 10.2 cm (6 1/16 x 4 x 4 in)
  • Accession Number

    F1984.20
  • EDAN ID

    edanmdm:fsg_F1984.20

Object Details

  • Description

    Vase with wave pattern. Small pear-shaped vessel with elongated neck, formed in parts by use of molds and assembled. Low foot-rim.
    Clay: sandy porcelain, off-white on exposed surfaces.
    Glaze: transparent, ivory-toned, crackled, abraded over raised areas of decoration with some small losses. Some earth adhesions.
    Decoration: the body molded in pattern of surging waves. Lotus-petal border around base. Pair of lion masks holding rings in mouths placed opposite one another just above edge of wave pattern, at base of neck.
  • Provenance

    To ?
    J.E. Melchior collection, Shanghai. [1]
    To 1982
    Helen Dalling Ling (d. 1982), Shanghai and Singapore. [2]
    From 1982 to 1984
    Dr. Tien Gi Ling, Singapore, by bequest from his wife, Helen Dalling Ling in May 1982. [3]
    From 1984
    Freer Gallery of Art, purchased from Dr. Tien Gi Ling, Singapore. [4]
    Notes:
    [1] According to Dr. Tien Gi Ling, Mrs. Helen D. Ling acquired the object from the J.E. Melchior Collection in Shanghai. Also see Curatorial Remark 3 in the object record.
    [2] Helen Dalling Ling operated "The Green Dragon" antiques shop in Shanghai from 1938 to 1950 and a shop under her own name in Singapore from 1951 until her death in 1982.
    [3] Helen Dalling Ling left a bequest to her husband, Dr. Tien Gi Ling on May 1982.
    [4] Freer Gallery of Art Purchase List after 1920 file, Collections Management Office.
  • Collection

    Freer Gallery of Art Collection
  • Previous custodian or owner

    Jacob E. Melchior (1879-1945)
    Helen D. Ling (1901-1982)
    Mr. Tien Gi Ling
  • Origin

    Fuzhou city, Jiangxi province, China
  • Credit Line

    Purchase — Charles Lang Freer Endowment
  • Type

    Vessel
  • Restrictions and Rights

    Usage Conditions Apply

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