Cilindrical bottle vase with floral scrolls in reserve in ruyi-shaped panels c. 1680 - 1720

This cylindrical bottle vase was made by an anonymous artist in an unknown time period, using glazed ceramic material. The artist skillfully painted floral scrolls onto the vase, creating intricate patterns that flow seamlessly around its surface. The blue and white contrast creates a visual rhythm, the bold strokes of the cobalt oxide that have been used to create the blue decoration demand attention. The application of cobalt oxide requires a steady hand and precise control, as any mistake would be difficult to correct. The smooth, glossy surface of the glaze enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the vase, while its delicate form adds to its elegance and refinement. It is very important to consider the intense labor involved in the production process; from the initial shaping of the clay to the final firing in the kiln. The work challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, inviting us to appreciate the beauty and skill inherent in everyday objects.