A Dehua Gu -shaped vase – Transitional Period
This trumpet shaped vase has a convex central section with an incised floral spray. The section is framed by two raised bands, above and below. The white body has a warm ivory glaze covering the exterior and the recessed base. The inside and footring are unglazed. This shape is found in ancient bronze vessels from the Shang dynasty (c.1700-1027 BC), which were probably used as ritual wine containers. Similar vases from Dehua were recovered from the Hatcher wreck.
Period: Mid- 17th Century
Size: Height 22.6 cm, diameter of mouth 13.5 cm
Condition: Excellent condition, light wear and minor firing impurities, no visible cracks or repairs. A number has been written on the footring with a UV-marker (see picture).
Provenance: From the collection of Christine Carlsson, who died 1938, married to a British consul in Hong Kong, who died 1933, thence by descent.
SKU: 80
References: A very similar vase is illustrated in Blanc de Chine, Porcelain from Dehua, A Catalogue of the Hickley Collection, Singapore (Rose Kerr & John Ayers) plate 67. See also Chinese Ceramic Treasures – A selection from Ulricehamn East Asian Museum, including the Carl Kempe Collection, The Museum of Art and Far Eastern Antiquities in Ulricehamn, 2002, plate 794. A few Dehua GU vases have also been sold by the major auctionhouses (see links below) for examples.
Sothebys New York, 2019
Christies New York, 2024
Christies New York, 2022
