Chinese Blue and White 'Qilin' Vase, Kangxi Period (c. 1662-1722)

A Chinese porcelain vase decorated in underglaze blue with a mythical Qilin amidst crashing waves and rocky outcrops. The style, pigment quality, and execution suggest a late 17th to early 18th-century origin, specifically the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty.

Chinese Blue and White 'Qilin' Vase

Baluster vase with a high flared foot.

Hard-paste porcelain with underglaze cobalt blue pigment.

Good antique condition.

The central motif depicts a Qilin (a mythical hooved chimerical creature) standing on a rocky promontory. The beast is surrounded by turbulent, stylized waves and jagged rocks rendered in the 'Master of the Rocks' style. The neck and foot are accented with double blue lines and small cloud/floral motifs.

A baluster-shaped porcelain vase featuring a flared neck, a bulbous body, and a spreading pedestal foot. The exterior is decorated in vibrant underglaze cobalt blue.

• •Image 1: Overall profile and decoration.
• •Image 2: Detail of the Qilin and wave painting technique.
• •Image 3: View of the interior rim and neck.
• •Image 4: Base and foot rim showing clay body and wear.

• •Minor kiln-firing imperfections (pinpricks) visible in the glaze.
• •Slight wear and natural discoloration to the unglazed foot rim consistent with age.
• •No visible cracks, chips, or restorations in the provided images.

While the style is quintessentially Kangxi, high-quality 19th-century (Guangxu period) revivals exist. However, the depth of the blue and the foot rim characteristics here strongly favor the earlier dating.

Qing Dynasty, Kangxi Period (c. 1662–1722)

• •Vibrant 'sapphire' blue tones characteristic of high-quality Kangxi cobalt.
• •The use of fine concentric lines to define the waves.
• •Textured 'Master of the Rocks' style painting on the rocky outcrops.
• •The specific 'pencil and wash' technique used for the Qilin's scales and mane.

The Qilin motif was highly popular during the Transitional and Kangxi periods. The high, spreading foot is a common feature of smaller decorative vases from the late 17th century.

• •None immediately apparent from the photographs.

Kangxi blue and white is one of the most frequently reproduced styles. Modern fakes often lack the 'depth' of the blue and show perfectly smooth, chemically-aged foot rims.

The base is unmarked. This is common for Kangxi period non-imperial wares, which often featured empty double circles or no marks at all to avoid the desecration of the Emperor's name on export or domestic household goods.

• •Hand-painted details show natural variation in line weight and ink saturation.
• •The unglazed foot rim shows appropriate 'muscular' trimming and natural kiln grit.
• •The glaze has a slight bluish-white tint (qingbai-style) typical of the period.
• •The painting style is vigorous and confident, not the stiff imitation often seen in modern fakes.

The Qilin is a powerful symbol in Chinese mythology, representing prosperity, success, and the arrival of a wise ruler or sage. It is considered one of the 'Four Benevolent Animals'.

Such vases were often used in scholar’s studios or as decorative objects in wealthy households, and were also highly sought after by European collectors during the 'Chinoiserie' craze of the 18th century.

Kangxi blue and white porcelain is considered a high point in Chinese ceramic history due to the technical perfection of the cobalt blue and the artistic quality of the painting.

Valuations are estimates based on photographic evidence and current market trends for similar items sold at auction.

• •Intensity and clarity of the blue pigment.
• •Condition (any hidden cracks or professional restoration would significantly lower value).
• •Quality of the painting, particularly the detail in the Qilin's face and the waves.

• •Similar Kangxi Qilin vases (20-25cm) have sold at Tier 2 auction houses (e.g., Skinner, Bonhams) for $2,000 - $4,500.
• •Smaller or less vibrantly painted examples typically range between $1,200 and $1,800.

• •Conduct a 'ring test' (gently tapping the rim) to check for the clear, bell-like sound of intact porcelain.
• •Examine the piece under UV light to detect any hidden professional restorations or overpainting.
• •Consult a specialist in Chinese ceramics for a physical inspection.

• •Handle by the body with two hands; never lift by the flared rim.
• •Clean only with a soft, dry cloth or distilled water if necessary. Avoid all chemical cleaners.
• •Display away from high-traffic areas to prevent accidental tipping.

This is a fine and characteristic example of Kangxi period blue and white porcelain. Its auspicious 'Qilin' motif and vibrant painting make it a desirable piece for collectors of early Qing dynasty ceramics.

• •Asian Art departments at Sotheby's or Christie's.
• •Independent appraisers certified by the ISA or ASA specializing in Asian ceramics.