The Porcelain City of Jingdezhen

The baluster vase was produced in the early 18th century during the Chinese Qing dynasty (1644-1911). It features a lush, blooming summer landscape adorned with butterflies and birds. The decoration conveys wishes for wealth, rank, and happiness (fugui jixiang).

It was painted in the colours of the famille rose, which were introduced during the reign of Emperor Yongzheng (1723-1735).

Like many of the Chinese porcelains in the collection, the vase was made in Jingdezhen. This city in the Jiangxi province of China has been the centre of porcelain production since the 13th century and is renowned for its exquisite quality. Its proximity to the Yangtze River and the Grand Canal (Imperial Canal) facilitated trade within China and later enabled exports to Europe. From the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) onwards, Jingdezhen also produced porcelain for the imperial court. In addition to the imperial manufactories, there were commercial kilns operating in Jingdezhen.