"18th Cty Utilitarian Chineses Ceramic Jar With Inscribed Cartouche, Qing Dynasty"
CIVILIZATIONS, CHINESE CERAMIC, FOLK ART
18th century
Superb ceramic vase or jar with dark brown, almost iridescent glaze, and a vertical rectangular cartouche with an ivory background bearing a Chinese inscription, also in brown, slightly worn by minor glaze drips but still readable. This is an inscription of good fortune or traditional blessing, commonly found on utility or ritual jars.
The approximate translation should be:
「福壽康寧」 (Fú shòu kāng níng)
* 福 (Fú) = Happiness, prosperity
* 壽 (Shòu) = Longevity
* 康 (Kāng) = Health
* 寧 (Níng) = Peace, serenity
It is a very classic well-wishing formula in China, which means something like:
'Happiness, long life, health, and peace.'
The bulbous form is quite tall, with a small opening and a short, slightly narrowed neck. The piece is not meant to be decorative but functional, intended to store liquids or food, likely wine or a sauce, vinegar, preserves, or sometimes medicines,...
The very heavy weight of the piece also indicates a popular use, for frequent and daily use. The glazing on the body is very thick and flawless.
Dimensions:
26 cm height *
and 20 cm diameter
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