TIANQI (1621-1627)

This unusual vase is painted in a spontaneous, sketchy manner, typical of the style prevalent in the Tianqi period. This was very much appreciated by the Japanese and such wares exported to Japan.

The shape of the vase also recalls archaistic bronze hu with the wide neck and bulbous lower body. The cylindrical lug handles and the tall splayed foot also attest to the archaistic form. As such, the overall appearance is rare, with a delicate and naturalistic design of blossoming prunus branches decorating an archaistic bronze form.