Posted By: Bill H
Posted Date: Apr 13, 2011 (05:35 PM)
Hello Gary,
I'd only remind about the question of form. Reviewing Liu Liang-yu's tome and several other references containing diagrams and/or illustrations of Qianlong-period porcelains produced no evidence of double-eared vases with necks that begin in a vertical collar such as this one. Neither were any 18th century or earlier examples of slip decoration with this sculptural complexity found. Most examples in my books seem to be either Batavia or Swatow wares with more simple motifs apparently just brushed on, and on a blue ground in the case of the Swatow piece seen.
Just to confuse the issue, I'll also note how this kind of Qianlong mark was being forged convincingly circa the late 19th century on a variety of Japanese wares. As can be seen with this unmarked Kutani vase of the late Victorian era, the Japanese seem to have been primed for the Art Nouveau market by that time. Not unexpected, I suppose, as they get credit in some quarters as providing inspiration for the movement.
Cheers,
Bill H.
