CHINE - Epoque ZHENGDE (1506 - 1521) A baluster... Lot 231

CHINE - Epoque ZHENGDE (1506 - 1521) A baluster vase with a high, flared, poly-lobed neck in porcelain with blue underglaze decoration, the body decorated with lotus flowers in foliate scrolls surrounded by a frieze of banana leaves and ruyi, the foot decorated with a frieze of clouds and foliate scrolls, the neck decorated with a frieze of leiwen, flamed pearl, foliate scrolls and clouds and flanked by two poly-lobed handles supporting rings. The neck bears the four-character Zhengde kaishu mark. H. 44.6 cm Reference: two similar models in the collections of the British Museum, accession number 1947,0712.204 and PDF A.681. Provenance: Private collection, Paris According to the Da Ming huidian, Compilation of Ming statutes, in 1369 Emperor Hongwu ordered that porcelain be used for ritual vases, previously made of bronze. These vases were used as part of highly codified state rituals to pay homage to the deceased members of the imperial family and to Heaven, Earth, Sun and Moon. As a result, the Jingdezhen kilns responsible for their production had to meet new quality and technical requirements. This porcelain vase, cast from a bronze, was probably part of a set of five ritual vases. Altar furnishings of this period included, in addition to two handled vases, a perfume burner and two candlesticks.