Pair of Chinese blue and white 'Mythical Beast' bottle vases, Late Qing/Republic Period.

A large and impressive pair of Chinese porcelain bottle vases (tianqiuping variant) decorated in underglaze blue with mythical beasts (Qilin) amidst turbulent waves and rising smoke. These pieces are executed in the Kangxi revival style, likely dating from the late 19th to early 20th century.

Pair of Chinese Blue and White 'Mythical Beast' Bottle Vases

Long-necked bottle vases

Hard-paste porcelain with underglaze cobalt blue decoration

Excellent

Mythical beasts, stylized 'Ruyi' clouds at the rim, and turbulent wave patterns at the base.

A matched pair of porcelain vases featuring globular bodies that taper into long, slender cylindrical necks. The decoration consists of mythical beasts, possibly Qilin or Buddhist lions, perched on jagged rockwork above a sea of crashing waves. Wisps of auspicious smoke or clouds extend vertically up the length of the necks.

• •Image 1: Overall form and matching decoration.
• •Image 2: Base view showing double-ring marks and paste quality.
• •Image 3: Close-up of cobalt application and glaze texture.
• •Image 4: Top-down view showing rim decoration.

• •No visible cracks, chips, or major restorations in the provided images.
• •Minor firing imperfections (pinholes) consistent with period production.
• •Slight shelf wear to the unglazed foot rims.
• •Glaze exhibits a slight 'orange peel' texture characteristic of Qing dynasty porcelain.

High-quality 20th-century reproductions can be difficult to distinguish from 19th-century pieces without physical examination of the glaze's 'depth' and micro-bubbles.

Late Qing Dynasty to Republic Period (c. 1880–1940)

• •Double-ring mark on the base is a classic Kangxi (1662-1722) trait, frequently used on high-quality 19th-century revivals.
• •The 'heaping and piling' effect of the blue pigment appears intentionally applied to mimic early Ming styles, a common practice in the late 19th century.
• •The bright, white paste and the specific rendering of the wave patterns are consistent with late 19th-century Jingdezhen production.

While the form and mark reference the 17th-century Kangxi period, the precision of the potting and the specific tone of the cobalt suggest a later 'Guangxu' or Republic period manufacture.

• •The double-ring mark is exceptionally crisp, which can sometimes indicate a later production date.
• •The 'heaping and piling' spots are very uniform, suggesting a stylistic imitation rather than a natural byproduct of the cobalt ore used in antiquity.

These are 'period-style' pieces. While they are likely 80-140 years old, they are not from the Kangxi period they emulate. They are genuine antiques of their own era (Late Qing/Republic).

The base features an underglaze blue double ring. In the Kangxi period, this was often left empty to avoid the desecration of a reign mark if the piece was damaged. It became a standard decorative mark for later 'in the style of' pieces.

• •Hand-painted decoration with varying depths of cobalt blue.
• •Presence of natural firing grit and oxidation on the unglazed foot rim.
• •Appropriate 'orange peel' glaze texture visible under light.

The Qilin is a mythical hooved chimerical creature in Chinese mythology, said to appear with the arrival or passing of a sage or illustrious ruler. It symbolizes prosperity, protection, and success.

The combination of the Qilin and waves represents the creature's ability to walk on water, further emphasizing its divine nature.

Large pairs of vases are highly sought after by decorators and collectors of Chinese export and domestic porcelain. The 45cm height makes them significant 'statement' pieces.

Valuations are estimates based on recent auction results for similar late 19th/early 20th-century Chinese porcelain. Market fluctuations for Chinese art can be significant.

• •Size: At 45cm, these are considered large and desirable.
• •Condition: The lack of damage significantly preserves value.
• •Pairing: Matched pairs are significantly more valuable than two individual vases.

• •Similar pair of 19th-century blue and white bottle vases sold at regional auction (Tier 3) for $1,800 - $2,400.
• •Single vases of this size and quality typically realize $600 - $900; pairs command a premium due to rarity.

• •Examine the glaze under a 10x loupe to look for natural wear and age-related 'crazing' or micro-bubbles.
• •Consult a specialist in Chinese ceramics to confirm if they could potentially be earlier (Transitional/Kangxi period), which would increase value tenfold.

• •Clean only with lukewarm water and a soft cloth. Avoid chemical cleaners.
• •Handle by the body, not the slender neck, to avoid stress fractures.
• •Display away from high-traffic areas to prevent tipping.

A high-quality pair of late 19th to early 20th-century Chinese bottle vases. While they are revival pieces rather than 17th-century originals, their size, condition, and decorative appeal make them valuable additions to a collection.

• •Sotheby's or Christie's Chinese Works of Art departments
• •Regional specialists in Asian Art (e.g., Bonhams, Heritage)