KANGXI PERIOD

Quite possibly the unusual form and design of this vase were inspired by Iznik pottery, highly prized in Europe in the 16th and 17th century. With typical Western confusian these wares were also called "Persian." The catalogue of an 1862 South Kensington Museum exhibition notes of "Persian Ware": Of its origin or history we know very little with absolute certainty; the great majority of the specimens have been... preserved as curiosities, mingled and often confounded with the majolica wares and ancient oriental porcelains, formerly so abundant in the private collections, china-closets, &c. of the old families.