Vase. China, Qing Dynasty, 1664-1911. Enamelled... Lot 26

Vase. China, Qing Dynasty, 1664-1911. Enamelled porcelain. The lip is slightly pitted. Measurements: 57 x 20 cm (diameter). The vase has a circular base with an oval belly and a neck with a trumpet-shaped mouth. It is ornamented with a combination of blue and white, the design of which is based on intricate foral ornamentation. Ceramics known for their chromaticism as 'cobalt blue' or 'blue-on-white' were highly prized in Europe from the time of their early importation. Indeed, it was so much appreciated by other cultures such as Islam that it was very often works destined for this market that ended up influencing European ceramic production, which aspired to resemble as closely as possible this export production created in large quantities in China. It was not until around the middle of the 17th century that production began in this oriental country, blue and white porcelain being among the first to arrive directly in Europe in large quantities.