Chinese Ceramic Vase

Pale stripes run down the sky blue body like the ribs of a very elegant umbrella.

This vase comes from Nanyang in Henan Province, China, and is contemporary, of egg shell and Nanyang porcelain. Soft blue glazes in the manner of Song dynasty wares are a favorite among Chinese potters, and the faint crackle is generally taken as part of their charm. The body is pear-shaped with shallow vertical ribs, the foot is lobed, and the neck opens into a fluted rim. Two small bird-like handles sit at the shoulder. It is 3.25 inches wide and 8 high.

Calm, cool and slightly smug about it.