Chinese Vase with Bird & Flower Motif

Peonies in full bloom, a gnarled branch, and a pair of birds deep in conversation.

This vase with bird and flower motif comes from Jingdezhen in Jiangxi Province, China, and is dated 1975. It is painted porcelain. Jingdezhen has been called the porcelain capital of China since imperial kilns were established there, and by the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) it was the center of production for the court. A twisting tree rises across the ovoid body in rich cobalt blue, laden with blossoms, with birds perched on rocks below. The flared neck is filled with a fine diaper pattern, and a band of pointed motifs rings the foot. It is 21.5 inches high and 13.5 in diameter.

White like jade, and blue wherever it counts.