Chinese Ceramic Vase

A faceted shape in coral red, flaring at the top like a six-pointed star.

This vase comes from Nanyang in Henan Province, China, and is contemporary, of egg shell and Nanyang porcelain. Reds in Chinese porcelain are historically among the most difficult glazes to fire, and a good one has long been a point of pride. The hexagonal body narrows at the waist, then widens into a flared mouth with distinct flat sides. The lower edge steps out in ribbed bands above a small foot. The glaze is a glossy red, deeper along the edges and paler at the center. It is 4 inches wide and 7.75 high.

Bold, shiny and a bit overdressed for the shelf.