MING DYNASTY CHENGHUA BLUE AND WHITE LIONS JAR
Ming Dynasty marked and period Chenghua Imperial blue and white Lions jar . The cobalt blue has a beautiful 15th century strong blue Chenghua color with a blackish tone. Chenghua color is refined and very distinct and this is one reason why Chenghua blue and white is so easy to identify. Some are only concerned how the Chenghua mark is written and do not emphasize enough about the color and tone of the imported cobalt and the painting style. These are the most important things to authenticate Chenghua Blue and White because this cannot be duplicated. The sumali / smalt cobalt alone would run uncontrollably and had to be mixed with Chinese domestic pitang / pingdeng cobalt to stabilize it. Not until the Chenghua period did the potters gain complete control over sumali / smalt imported cobalt. The Chenghua potters were capable of painting details as thin as a hair in a free style with motion and flare. Some say the sumali / smalt imported cobalt was not used after the 15th century. This is not correct there are some pieces that used this cobalt in the early 16th century. Very few photographs capture the different cobalt colors correctly in the book by He Li Chinese Ceramics plate 409 and Sotheby book 30 years in Hong Kong plate 245, the strong blue color and tone are good examples of the color and tone when the two cobalt's were mixed together. The color can be lighter or darker but the rich tone will remain the same in the finest late 14th and 15th century blue and white. Even today they are unsure which country in the middle east this cobalt was imported from. The Chenghua painting style is outlined and filled in with fine washes using a broad brush. The Chenghua glaze is fine glossy and soft to the touch. Some say the glaze has a ting of yellow others whitish others brownish I prefer whitish with very small even bubbles. Sometimes the glaze tint will tones down the imported cobalt to give a more refine look. The vase has the six character Chenghua mark written on the base in a double circle. Chenghua ceramics were generally very delicate except for their larger vessels can be some what heavy because they used a coarser mix so they would not sag. Larger Chenghua vessels can be up to 80 cm.tall, and joined horizontally, Chenghua larger vessels are usually partially finished on the inside you will see a tool marks that cover up the Joined lines and they are often unglazed. Chenghua was very innovating in style, form, and painted with the most beautiful blue and white shades of color which all have the distinct blackish tone This jar was masterfully painted and formed. The Chenghua blue and white evolved and matured throughout his reign there is flaking in the biscuit. Most blue and white collectors the Chenghua blue and white wares are the finest ever produced and this is why there so sought after today. Measures approx 5 inches / 13 cm. Tall.