Ming Dynasty - 17th c. Ceramic Baluster vase - 23 cm
03
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21
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37
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Current bid
€ 151
Reserve price not met
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Selected by Peter Reynaers
Has nearly 30 years’ experience and moderated multiple online art research groups.
Estimate € 450 - € 500
 | €151 | |
|---|---|---|
 | €1 |
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This 17th-century Ming Dynasty ceramic baluster vase measures 23 cm high and 14 cm in diameter and has a cream glaze with dense brown craquelure.
AI-assisted summary
Description from the seller
Storage Jar
China, 17th century
Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)
Stoneware
Height: 23 cm x Maximum diameter: 14 cm
During the Ming dynasty, these crackle-glazed stoneware jars were produced in large quantities by popular kilns in southern China, notably in the Guangdong region. Originally designed for utilitarian use, they served as robust containers for storing and transporting provisions, oil, or condiments. Thanks to maritime trade routes of the Silk Road, they were massively exported to Southeast Asia, the Philippines and have even been found in Japan. Their restrained aesthetics are strongly inspired by the famous ceramics of earlier dynasties, such as Guan or Ge styles.
The vessel is ovoid in shape, with a swelling silhouette, high and pronounced shoulder. The body flares gradually from a tightened foot toward the shoulder, before converging to a very short neck. The opening is topped by a wide flat rim, thick and slightly projecting (lip rolled into a rim). The belly was wheel-formed, revealing subtle vertical ridges, horizontal striations, and deliberate molding irregularities. A straight horizontal groove or incision is visible mid-body, characteristic of clay-section join work or assembly marks of the period. The entire piece is covered with a thick cream/beige glaze. This glaze displays an extremely dense, fine, and ramified crackle network. The crackle lines have absorbed sediments or oxides over time, highlighting their pattern in a reddish-brown hue.
The glaze ends in a sinuous and irregular manner just above the foot. The base shows a wide foot ring cut away, revealing the raw stoneware earth. The reverse of the base is flat, unglazed, revealing a dense ceramic paste in a beige-to-ochre shade, typical of high-temperature kiln firing.
Condition:
The object shows a patina of historical use consistent with its age. Presence of slight firing irregularities inherent to artisanal manufacture, minor glaze wear at the foot, and small surface imperfections that do not affect the structural integrity of the jar. Very good overall condition.
Viewed under UV
Provenance: Kanaka The Collection, Portugal
Shipped with UPS and insured
Seller's Story
Kanaka The Collection is a Portugal-based web gallery specialising in Asian art, with a particular focus on the arts of Southeast Asia.
With over 20 years of experience and passion for Asian art, we offer a carefully curated selection of sculptures, ceramics and works of art from across Asia, chosen for their artistic quality, authenticity and historical interest.
Every piece is professionally packed, and we ship worldwide to collectors and institutions.
We remain personally available to collectors before and after each acquisition.
Translated by Google TranslateStorage Jar
China, 17th century
Ming Dynasty (1368–1644)
Stoneware
Height: 23 cm x Maximum diameter: 14 cm
During the Ming dynasty, these crackle-glazed stoneware jars were produced in large quantities by popular kilns in southern China, notably in the Guangdong region. Originally designed for utilitarian use, they served as robust containers for storing and transporting provisions, oil, or condiments. Thanks to maritime trade routes of the Silk Road, they were massively exported to Southeast Asia, the Philippines and have even been found in Japan. Their restrained aesthetics are strongly inspired by the famous ceramics of earlier dynasties, such as Guan or Ge styles.
The vessel is ovoid in shape, with a swelling silhouette, high and pronounced shoulder. The body flares gradually from a tightened foot toward the shoulder, before converging to a very short neck. The opening is topped by a wide flat rim, thick and slightly projecting (lip rolled into a rim). The belly was wheel-formed, revealing subtle vertical ridges, horizontal striations, and deliberate molding irregularities. A straight horizontal groove or incision is visible mid-body, characteristic of clay-section join work or assembly marks of the period. The entire piece is covered with a thick cream/beige glaze. This glaze displays an extremely dense, fine, and ramified crackle network. The crackle lines have absorbed sediments or oxides over time, highlighting their pattern in a reddish-brown hue.
The glaze ends in a sinuous and irregular manner just above the foot. The base shows a wide foot ring cut away, revealing the raw stoneware earth. The reverse of the base is flat, unglazed, revealing a dense ceramic paste in a beige-to-ochre shade, typical of high-temperature kiln firing.
Condition:
The object shows a patina of historical use consistent with its age. Presence of slight firing irregularities inherent to artisanal manufacture, minor glaze wear at the foot, and small surface imperfections that do not affect the structural integrity of the jar. Very good overall condition.
Viewed under UV
Provenance: Kanaka The Collection, Portugal
Shipped with UPS and insured
Seller's Story
Kanaka The Collection is a Portugal-based web gallery specialising in Asian art, with a particular focus on the arts of Southeast Asia.
With over 20 years of experience and passion for Asian art, we offer a carefully curated selection of sculptures, ceramics and works of art from across Asia, chosen for their artistic quality, authenticity and historical interest.
Every piece is professionally packed, and we ship worldwide to collectors and institutions.
We remain personally available to collectors before and after each acquisition.
Translated by Google TranslateDetails
Culture
Ming Dynasty - 17th c.
Century/timeframe
17th c.
Name of object
Baluster vase
Acquired from
Private collection
Year acquired
2026
Material
Ceramic
Country acquired from
Portugal
Condition
Good
Previous owner acquired from
Auction house
Height
23 cm
Previous owner - year acquired
2026
Width
14 cm
Previous owner - country acquired from
France
Depth
14 cm
I verify that I have obtained this object legally and that I am allowed to sell it
Yes
Authenticity
Original/official
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