Lot 103 A Chinese blue and white 'Qilin' ewer and cover

A Chinese blue and white 'Qilin' ewer and cover

Wanli

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€ 4.000 – € 8.000

WH: H. 22,4 cm, W. 14,6 cm (incl. cover)

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The heavily potted ewer is finely painted in underglaze cobalt blue with two moulded panels enclosing a caparisoned qilin standing amidst flowering plants and rockwork. The reserved panels are framed by scrolling cloud motifs and are set against a ground decorated with stylised floral sprays. The tall, flaring neck is ornamented with upright plantain leaves. The cover is surmounted by a finely modelled qilin-shaped finial.
The qilin, one of the most auspicious mythical creatures in Chinese tradition, symbolises prosperity, benevolent rule and the birth of worthy descendants, making it a popular decorative subject on high-quality export porcelain of the late Ming dynasty.
The vessel is fitted with a curved loop handle opposing a long, faceted spout. The neatly finished recessed base with an unglazed foot rim.
此壺胎體厚重，通體以釉下青花繪飾。器腹兩面模印開光，內繪披掛瓔珞的麒麟立於花木山石之間，開光外以卷雲紋圍飾，地紋滿繪程式化折枝花卉。高頸外撇，環飾仰蕉葉紋，壺蓋頂置立體堆塑麒麟鈕，塑造精細。
麒麟是中國傳統文化中極具祥瑞寓意的神獸，象徵昌盛、仁政與賢嗣降生，因此常見於明末優質外銷瓷器的裝飾之中。
器身一側置彎曲環柄，另一側接細長多棱流。底部內凹，修整規整，足圈露胎。
Provenance:
Marchant, London, with their label to the base.
The Mr. and Mrs. Baert-Devos Collection, Belgium. Acquired from the above in 2007 according to the owner's inventory notes.