Meiping vase; China, Qing dynasty, c. 1850.

Meiping vase; China, Qing dynasty, c. 1850.
Blue and white glazed porcelain.
It has apocryphal Kangxi marks on the base.
Measurements: 47 x 27 cm.
Meiping vase with lid made of glazed porcelain whose decoration is based on the combination of white and blue. The ornamentation is distributed in different borders where different elements known as "Hundres antiques" can be observed. The shape "meiping" means apricot or plum vase, as it traditionally contained apricot branches, and is distinguished by its narrow base and mouth and wide body. Meiping were first made by the Tang Dynasty (618-907), originally used as a wine vessel, and then became a floral vase in the Song Dynasty (960-1279).