This massive pair of Chinese porcelain planters is hand-painted in underglaze cobalt blue, a color that has defined the beauty of Chinese porcelain for more than six centuries.
The rounded form is derived from the traditional fishbowl shape.
It invites the eye to follow the decoration of leafy peony scrolls, which seem to drift across the surface.
Each brushstroke reveals the artist’s sure hand, with the underglaze cobalt blue deepening from pale sky tones to rich, inky shadow.
The design was guided by a pounced outline, an age-old method by which a faint pattern of powdered dots is transferred to the porcelain before being painted entirely freehand.
The peony scroll, long cherished in Chinese art for its symbolism of beauty, rank, and prosperity, is rendered here with quiet elegance.
The exquisite blue and white decoration harmonizes beautifully with both traditional and modern interiors
Dimensions: 14.5″ tall × 16″ diameter
Date: Last quarter 20th century
Provenance: A West Coast Estate
Condition: Excellent
Decoration: Hand-painted underglaze cobalt blue with peony scrolls and stylized borders, executed freehand over a pounced outline
Material: Porcelain
Style: Modern continuation of traditional Chinese blue and white
Origin: China