Chinese Clobbered Vases, circa 1700 - a Pair

Description

Pair of very finely decorated Chinese blue and white clobbered vases and lids. The neck and base are hexagonally shaped, … more Pair of very finely decorated Chinese blue and white clobbered vases and lids. The neck and base are hexagonally shaped, the body is ribbed. Each of the four sides have shield shapes outlined in red within which are blue chrysanthemums on a gilded background set against a diaper pattern of diamonds in blue and pink. The neck and base are alternating colors of red and green painted with floral designs. The shoulder and base of the vase are decorated with a stylized leaf pattern. The lid with double finial follows the same pattern.

The practice of over-painting blue and white Chinese porcelain originated in Holland in the 18th century because there was high demand for polychrome wares. The lack of sufficient wares caused many Dutch delft companies to decorate blue and white porcelains with colorful enamels. The colors were re-fired and became permanent. The original blue and white decoration is intact under the enamel. less