Chinese Ceramic Cylinder Vase

Sang de boeuf, or a sunset poured into a tube.

Chinese potters made this tall cylindrical porcelain vase in the 20th century. Red glazes of this kind are commonly associated with a long tradition of copper-red porcelain in China. The vase is a straight, simple cylinder with a glossy glaze that moves from deep oxblood at the base to a pale, nearly white band at the rim. The color change looks like it was meant to be admired in a window. A thin dark foot sits unglazed beneath.

About 18 inches tall. Plain form, dramatic color, and no need for flowers.