Period: Qing Dynasty

Provenance: Private Japanese family collection

Dimensions:

Rim diameter: 3.8 cm

Base diameter: 9.9 cm

Height: 26 cm

Material: Porcelain

Form: Mei vase

Inscription:

The base bears a six-character, double-circle blue and white inscription reading “Daqing Yongzheng Nian Zhi” (Made in the Yongzheng reign of the Great Qing).

Description

This Mei vase features a small mouth, short neck, broad shoulders, slender base, and a ring foot. The shoulder lines are smooth and rounded, while the body of the vase is elongated. Both the interior and exterior are covered in a pristine white glaze. The vase is decorated with Famille Rose colors, depicting a peach tree with a harmonious arrangement of branches. The tree’s trunk is robust and vigorous, while the leaves are meticulously painted with clear, layered veins. Eight large, plump pan peaches are scattered across the branches, their color rich and ripe, evoking the sweetness of mature fruit. In addition, five red bats are painted flitting through the branches, symbolizing the motif of "Five Blessings bringing Longevity" (五福捧寿).

The base is glazed in white, and the blue and white inscription on the ring foot reads: “Daqing Yongzheng Nian Zhi” in six-character, double-circle script.

The piece is characterized by harmonious use of colors, vibrant yet delicate, conveying a lively and graceful energy. This style of Famille Rose vase from the Yongzheng period is rare, and such designs became more common in the Qianlong period. The overall form of the vase is elegant and upright, balancing both dignity and vitality, exemplifying the "exquisite elegance" typical of the Yongzheng era.

Creative Background

Famille Rose is a style of porcelain that was developed at the Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln during the Qing Dynasty. It first appeared in the mid-to-late Kangxi period and reached its peak during the Yongzheng and Qianlong reigns. Famille Rose porcelain has a distinctive artistic style, known for its soft, delicate, and vibrant color palette. Unlike the bright, strong hues of Wucai (five-colored) porcelain, Famille Rose is characterized by subtle, refined colors. The technique involves mixing lead powder with the original colorant or applying the color and then gently removing the excess pigment with water, creating a soft and delicate finish. This gives Famille Rose porcelain its smooth, radiant, and refined aesthetic.

The Yongzheng period saw the Jingdezhen Imperial Kiln reach the pinnacle of its porcelain-making techniques. During this time, Famille Rose became the dominant style of porcelain production, with a wide variety of shapes and designs. The porcelain was fired with a fine, smooth white body that made the painted decorations stand out in bright, vivid colors. The designs featured intricate details and a naturalistic approach, often including birds, flowers, and peaches, all with a refined and lifelike appearance.

Biography of Emperor Yongzheng

Emperor Yongzheng (Aisin Gioro Yinzhen, 1678–1735) was the fifth emperor of the Qing Dynasty, reigning from 1722 to 1735. He was the third emperor to rule after the capital was moved to Beijing. He was born in the Forbidden City of Beijing, the fourth son of Emperor Kangxi and Empress Xiaogongren. Emperor Yongzheng, who took the reign name “Yongzheng” (meaning "eternal uprightness"), was known for his efforts to strengthen imperial authority and improve governance, as well as his promotion of arts, including porcelain production.