29th April 2025
Gorringes forthcoming specialist Asian ceramics and works of art sale includes an interesting group of Chinese blue and white porcelain vessels dating to the 17th century.
The pieces were made at an unstable period in Chinese history where the Ming dynasty transitioned to the Qing dynasty during the Manchu conquest of China.
These so-called transitional porcelains made during the period 1620-1683 saw major changes in style, mostly painted in underglaze cobalt blue on white porcelain. A much more free approach was taken to painting influenced by Chinese literati genres of painting, and woodblock illustrations in books were often used as sources for designs. Innovative, finely painted and neatly potted porcelain wares were produced at this time notably in the ‘High Transitional’ Chongzhen period (1627-1644).
Fine examples of Chinese Transitional porcelain in Gorringes forthcoming sale include -
A large ‘rolwagen’ vase, finely painted in underglaze blue with a well-known Chinese subject ‘The Four Beauties’ dating to the Chongzhen period, circa 1640.
A large ovoid jar and cover, finely painted in underglaze blue with floral sprays, including lotus, dating to the mid 17th century.
A small brushpot, painted in underglaze blue with an official and a soldier in a landscape, dating to the Chongzhen period, circa 1640.
