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I have a pair of triple gourd vases in underglaze blue that I just acquired from an estate sale. I would like to know if they are genuine Qianlong M&P.

Here's a link to photos (sorry for the poor quality, the camera I normally use broke).

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23676403@N07/sets/72157625343970734/

The detail of the rendering is excellent, nice piling of different shades of blue, very detailed rendering of vases, floweres, and auspicious items (gourds, fans, scholar's items).

Nicely polished foot ring and underside of each vase has a nicely rendered underglazed blue seal mark.

Thoughts and comments are appreciated.

Hello Tim.

The use of dots in the decoration came more in use in the 19th. century. The clean (dead) white bottom leads me more to the 20th. century. I.m.h.o. .... they are not from the period.

Regards,

Arjan

Not to put down your vases, they are very nice for what they are, but the quality of the artwork and the crude potting of the pieces do not indicate genuine Qianlong Period. The rim is too thick and coarse. Possibly early to mid 20th Century. I've seen similar artwork from these time periods.

Any comments, even criticisms, that are constructive and help to learn more about the authenticity of the pieces I post on this forum are always appreciated.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts.

Actually, I also thought the vase seemed thickly potted, but I wasn't sure if this was because of the form (triple gourd) - I understand it is a very difficult form to create which requires thicker potting in order to keep it from falling in on itself during firing.

Thank you, Arjan.

By 'dots' I believe you mean the small dots used to create shading in some of the decorations, for example the shading of some of the fruit. If not, would you please clarify?

Also, by 'bottom', do you mean the underside of the vase where the mark is? Please explain.

If so, the bottom actually has a distinct light green/blue tint / hugh to it. I will try to take a better photo, perhaps a comparison photo with the bottom next to the side of the other vase.

Regards,

Hi Tim,

Yes, thats what I mean in both cases( Dots and bottom)

regards,

Arjan

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