A VERY RARE ENAMELLED ‘LANDSCAPE’ MALLET-FORM VASE

The very rare mallet-shaped vase is yet another piece inspired by a Yuan master, this time that of Ni Zan (fig. 4). The silky white background created by the fine porcelain body and soft glaze is a perfect backdrop for Ni’s pared-down style. In the early Yongzheng period under the supervision of Nian Xiyao and Tang Ying, the imperial kiln developed a new black enamel which made it possible to create ink-like painting on porcelain, even to the effect of shading and rendering as seen in the distant mountains. The subtle monochrome brushwork is accented with blue and green enamels which takes inspiration from Tang blue and green landscape paintings. The overall effect is that of restraint and archaism in a completely new style, and very much the taste of the Yongzheng emperor.