A Blue And White Jar For The Portuguese Jesuit Market, Ming Dynasty

A very rare Chinese blue and white jar for the Portuguese Jesuit market.
Ming dynasty, c. 1610 – 1630.

The small jar of baluster fluted form with six lobes on a high, spreading foot with a deep recessed base, the neck with everted rim, some kiln grit adhering to the unglazed thick foot rim. The jar decorated in underglaze blue with three cherub heads applied in relief, their wings painted with pendant grape vines beneath, alternating with flower sprays growing out of rocky outcroppings, and lotus blossoms. Another lotus blossom pattern around the base of the foot reserved in white against a blue background.

At first, the combination of angelic figures with Chinese-inspired floral patterns might seem purely decorative and influenced by Western aesthetics. However, when compared to related jars, where the flower sprays are replaced by emblems of Christ’s Betrayal, Crucifixion, Passion and Descent from the Cross, a deeper Christian symbolism becomes apparent, even in this seemingly ornamental context. The pairing of angels with grape motifs further suggests a Eucharistic theme—though the usual symbol of wheat is missing, its presence may be subtly alluded to through the floral designs. These small vases, likely inspired by European metalwork or goldsmith objects, were possibly intended for use within church interiors, perhaps serving a decorative function.

Provenance:
Formerly in a private European collection, acquired from Jorge Welsh (according to sticker).

Lit:
An identical jar is in the RA Collection, published in The RA Collection of Chinese Ceramics: A Collector’s Vision, Maria Antónia Pinto de Matos, 2011, volume one, no. 73, p. 188.
Another example is in the British Museum London, Museum number: Franks.1397.a, illustrated in Ming Ceramics in the British Museum, Harrison-Hall, 2001, p. 376, ?? 12:61
Also see Christie’s London, Chinese Ceramics and Works of Art Including Export Art Sale, Tuesday 11 July 2006, p. 171, lot 174.

Dimensions:
Height 12.9 cm diameter 8.5 cm.

Condition report available upon request.

Worldwide registered and insured shipping.

Inv. No: MW309