An artwork on Galleree from Cleveland Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Amphora Vase1723–35
This elegant vase, modeled in the shape of an amphora with dragon handles has perfect symmetry. Its celadon glaze is of exceptional purity and of subtle green color, all characteristics of classical Yongzheng-era monochrome porcelains. <br><br>The amphora shape and dragon handles of this vase, seen earlier in the glazed stoneware of the Sui and Tang dynasties (581-907), were revived during the Yongzheng period for achieving "antique-elegance" (<em>guya</em>) in aesthetics as well as technical perfection in ceramic art.<br><br>Only four vases of this size and glaze are known to exist.
The shape of the vase derives from Greece and was introduced to China via the Middle East.
porcelain with celadon glaze
Overall: 52.1 cm (20 1/2 in.)
The Elisabeth Severance Prentiss Collection
In a quiet gallery, bathed in soft, natural light, stands a vase that whispers stories of elegance and history. This exquisite piece, sculpted in the form of an amphora, boasts delicate dragon handles that curl gracefully at either side. Each curve and contour of the vase reflects a symphony of perfect symmetry, inviting the gaze to dance around its flawlessly crafted surface.
The vase’s celadon glaze glimmers softly, showcasing an exceptional purity that seems to capture a gentle breeze in its subtle green hues. It is as if the essence of nature itself has been encapsulated within this ceramic marvel. This particular shade and finish are not mere happenstance; they are hallmarks of the classical Yongzheng era, where monochrome porcelains reached new heights of aesthetic and technical mastery.
The design echoes an older time, reminiscent of the glazed stoneware crafted during the Sui and Tang dynasties, which flourished between 581 and 907. In a revival of the past, the Yongzheng artisans sought to capture what they called "antique-elegance" or *guya*, a term that speaks to a refined and sophisticated beauty that stands the test of time. It is in this delicate intertwining of history and artistry that the vase finds its identity.
As you circle around this cherished artifact, your heart flutters at the thought that only four such vases, with this size and glaze, are known to exist in the world. Each one, a rare treasure, tells a tale of craftsmanship, an undying echo of an era long ago, yet perfectly preserved in this serene masterpiece. In this moment, surrounded by the echoes of past artisans, the vase stands not just as an object but as a vessel of stories, holding the whispers of time within its graceful form.
About the artist
Creating transformative experiences through art “for the benefit of all the people forever.”The Cleveland Museum of Art is renowned for the quality and breadth of its collection, which includes more than 66,500 artworks and spans 6,000 years of achievement in the arts. The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from the museum's Open Access data under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 11150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, OH, USA 44106
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