Chinese Cizhou Meiping Vase with Figural Cartouches

Red brushwork whips across a cream body, as if the painter was racing the kiln.

This Cizhou meiping vase with figural cartouches comes from China and is contemporary, in painted porcelain. The meiping, a tall vase with narrow foot and small mouth traditionally linked with plum branches, is generally associated with northern Chinese wares of the Song and Yuan periods, including the painted Cizhou tradition. Bands of red and green scrollwork circle the shoulder. Below, broad red strokes form a bold, swirling central design framed by lines, and looser motifs repeat around the lower body. The glaze is a creamy white, and the foot is left plain. It is 12.7 inches high and 5.8 in diameter.

Speed and confidence, fired permanently in place.