Rare TianQi Period Ming Dyn. Jar, ca.1621-1627

Antiques > Orientalia Dealer: Cicada Asian Art and Antiquities Contact: Steve Dong - Email Dealer
Shipping inside United States: Quoted at time of purchase Shipping outside United States: Quoted at time of purchase

Description: Origin: China,

Age/Period: ca. 1621-1627, TianQi reign, Ming dynasty (1368-1644),

Dimensions: 5-3/4" (146mm) tall, 5" diameter;

A fine and seldom seen TianQi reign, Ming dynasty vase.

TianQi's short lived reign spanned only seven years, from 1621-1627. TianQi was the eldest son of Emperor TaiChang (1620-21) who in turn was son of emperor Wanli (1573-1620). TianQi became emperor as a teenager in 1621, (I assume after the death of father). He didn't give much atention to stately affairs, and gave the actual power to the eunuch Wei Zhongxian and Madam Ke. The people's living conditions worsened during his reign and Tianqi faced several popular uprisings.

This jar bears TianQi's rabbit mark, rendered in underglaze blue. This rabbit mark has a short-lived history. Rabbit marks were most notibly used during the Chinese reigns of emperors Wanli (1573-1619), TianQi (1621-27) and Qianlong (1726-1795). Though, the Qianlong rabbit mark is quite more refined when compared to the Wanli and Tian Qi marks. This mark probably was also used by TianQi's father, emperor TaiChang (1620-1621), but I couldn't find any reference to it. I've included an enlargement, (see enlargement #6), from a Chinese publication, "ZHONGGUO LIDAITAOCI KUANZHIDADIAN", 2001/8 month, showing a similar marked TianQi vase.

This vase is most likely minyao, (provincial kilns), but is quite well made. Especially during the last reigns of the Ming dynasty, when porcelain quality was compromised. The jar's classic form is short and stout with a broad chest with tappering short neck and wide mouth rim. The body is decorated in rich and vibrant underglaze blue with the "3-friends" symbols: pine tree, deer, and bamboo, plus a white crane. They are all symbols of long life. The shoulder and foot rim has underglaze blue prunis and geometric vine designs. The entire vase is glazed inside and out save the foot rim. Within the foot rim is the underglaze blue rabbit mark.

Condition Consenus: Excellent Condition, museum quality, without any injury or repair.

b/35

Status: Sold	Reference#: 295592
Condition: Excellent	Year: ca.1621-27

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