Chinese Vase Depicting Young Monks

Faint etched scenes drift across a pale vase with looped handles at the neck.

This porcelain vase depicting young monks is from China, and dates to the 20th century. Young monks are a familiar subject in Chinese popular art, where they are often shown in lively, informal scenes rather than solemn ones. Matte grey-white vase, slender in outline, with a flared mouth and two curling ring handles on the shoulders. Fine incised lines sketch trees, rocks and small figures across the body, softly shaded and nearly monochrome. It is 9.1 inches high and 4 in diameter.

Subtle to the point of shyness, yet fully drawn.