Large Pear-Shaped Vase Imitating Guan Ware

The pear-shape vase with flared mouth and swelling belly sits on a spreading foot. Two low bands join the neck and body. The interplay of convex and concave contours creates a dynamic silhouette. The blue gray glaze covering the vase is characteristic of vessels of the Qing dynasty imitating Guan ware of the Song dynasty. However, in contrast to the even distribution of fine crackle found on Guan ware of high quality this glaze includes scarce and inconsistent crackling at the base of the body and at the rim.