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Lot Essay
The term langyao, ‘lang wares’, derives its name from Lang Tingji, director of the official kilns at Jingdezhen between 1705-1712, who is credited with the revival of monochrome glazes and particularly copper-red glazes. The copper-red color is often considered the most challenging to regulate during the firing process as exactly the right conditions are required within the kiln to achieve the rich tones demonstrated by the present lot. Although copper-red was used successfully in the Ming dynasty, particularly in the Xuande period, the copper-red monochrome glazes seen in the Qing dynasty became even more refined and were of an exceptionally even and vibrant tone. The fine glaze and elegant form of the present vase exemplifies the skill of the Chinese potters under Lang Tingji.
Typical forms of langyao vases include a long-necked bottle vase form and a tall, high-shoulderd vase, known as Guanyin zun. The present langyao vase has a particularly rare and elegant form. A langyao vase of similar form formerly in the Collection of Robert Hatfield Ellsworth was sold at Christie’s New York, 19 March 2015, lot 420. Compare, also, the langyao vase of similar form, but with reduced, metal-bound rim and inscribed on the base with a poem by the Qianlong Emperor, sold at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 5 October 2016, lot 3648.
Typical forms of langyao vases include a long-necked bottle vase form and a tall, high-shoulderd vase, known as Guanyin zun. The present langyao vase has a particularly rare and elegant form. A langyao vase of similar form formerly in the Collection of Robert Hatfield Ellsworth was sold at Christie’s New York, 19 March 2015, lot 420. Compare, also, the langyao vase of similar form, but with reduced, metal-bound rim and inscribed on the base with a poem by the Qianlong Emperor, sold at Sotheby’s Hong Kong, 5 October 2016, lot 3648.