Chinese Ceramic Vase

A tiny bulb on top and two small ears, like a creature sitting very upright.

This vase comes from Nanyang in Henan Province, China, and is contemporary, of egg shell and Nanyang porcelain. Light blue crackle glazes have long been popular with Chinese potters, who prize their cool tone. The slender neck rises to a small scalloped bulb, and two bird-shaped handles with small holes flank it. Shallow ribs run down the pear-shaped body to a short foot, and a net of fine dark crackle spreads across the glaze. It is 3 inches wide and 7.75 high.

Prim, pale and quietly proud.