Lot 92 A Chinese blue and white 'Qilin, Phoenix and Magpie' jar

A Chinese blue and white 'Qilin, Phoenix and Magpie' jar

Transitional period

未知

€ 3.000 – € 6.000

H: H. 28,2 cm

未知

The ovoid jar is finely painted in underglaze cobalt blue with a continuous landscape depicting a caparisoned qilin surrounded by flames, while a phoenix soars overhead amongst banana plants, pierced scholar’s rocks and stylised mountain peaks. The composition continues around the body with flowering shrubs, rocky outcrops and a magpie in flight.
The pairing of the qilin and phoenix is among the most auspicious themes in Chinese art. The qilin, a mythical beast associated with benevolent rule, prosperity and the birth of worthy descendants, is traditionally regarded as an omen of peace and good government. The phoenix (fenghuang), symbolises virtue, harmony and imperial grace. Together, they convey wishes for prosperity, longevity and a flourishing realm.
The vigorous brushwork, employing strong tonal contrasts and fluid cobalt washes, reflects the artistic freedom that characterises porcelain produced at Jingdezhen during the final decades of the Ming dynasty. The broad-shouldered form with its unglazed mouth and recessed foot is typical of large Transitional storage jars.
此罐作卵形，通體以青花繪麒麟鳳凰通景圖。披掛瓔珞的麒麟行於火焰之中，鳳凰翱翔其上，四周芭蕉、玲瓏洞石與遠山錯落。畫面沿器身展開，間飾花木、山石及飛翔的喜鵲。
麒麟與鳳凰同現，是中國傳統藝術中極為吉祥的題材。麒麟性情仁厚，象徵仁政、太平與昌盛，亦有「麒麟送子」之意，寄託子孫賢良的美好願望，鳳凰則象徵德行、和諧與祥瑞。二者相配，寓意盛世太平、福壽綿長、家國昌隆。
畫工奔放流暢，青花濃淡對比鮮明，並以水墨般的暈染表現層次，展現出明末景德鎮瓷繪自由灑脫的風格。器形豐肩鼓腹，口部露胎，底部內凹，為明清過渡時期大型儲物罐的典型式樣。
Provenance:
Rob Michiels Auctions, Bruges, 28 April 2018, lot 234. (sold EUR 7.800,00) (link)
The Mr. and Mrs. Baert-Devos Collection, Belgium. Acquired from the above. (see added scan)