Porcelain with blue underglaze painting
China, Qing dynasty (1644-1911)
Ginger jars with articulated shoulder and matching lid
Each wall is decorated with Qilin in front of scholars rocks and plants
Unglazed foot and neck
Height with lid, each: 17 cm
Diameter: 10 cm
Good condition
Provenance: Private collection, Berlin

Qilin

The Qilin is known as one of the four Chinese miracle creatures. It is a chimera animal – a sort of stag with a dragon’s head and ox hooves combined with a lion’s head and a carp’s beard. Even though the beast is thought to be rather large, it is known to be able to walk on grass without breaking it or crushing bugs. Fitting this, the Qilin is also known to live off a strict vegetarian diet. Its name is a combination of the male Qi and the female Lin and thus incorporates the principle of Yin and Yang and the dualism of the sexes. According to Chinese mythology, Qilins can turn thousand years old. The first Qilin was apparently caught back at Confuzius’ time, but was immediately killed – much to the philosopher’s disappointment. Lacking any comparable animals, the Chinese called the first giraffe they saw a Qilin – it was brought to China by the famous seafarer Zheng He (1371-1433/35) who brought the animal from one of his journeys to his emperor Yongle (1360-1424). Until today, giraffes are actually called kirin in Japanese and Korean.



Blue and White Style

The blue white porcelain had its golden age in the Chinese Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), but it believed that this porcelain type was first made in the Tang Dynasty (618-906). Especially the proverbial ‘Ming vase’ characterizes mainly the European idea of the Chinese porcelain art. The blue color is caused by a mixture of cobalt oxide and water. The color has been painted onto the porcelain before glazing and firing. After that it is coated with a transparent glaze.



Condition: The porcelain ginger pots are in good condition with slight manufacturing flaws here and there. Each height with lid measures 17 cm.

Shipping costs excl. statutory VAT and plus 2,5% (+VAT) shipping insurance.