Antique Chinese mallet or bottle vase

The antique Chinese mallet vase, also known as a "bottle vase" or "meiping," has a long and rich history dating back to the Tang dynasty (618-907 AD). The mallet vase was originally used to hold wine, and its shape was based on the mallet used to pound rice into wine. During the Tang dynasty, these vases were made in a variety of materials, including porcelain, bronze, and earthenware.

In the Song dynasty (960-1279 AD), the mallet vase became a popular form for ceramic artists, who decorated them with a wide range of designs, including landscapes, figures, and floral motifs. During the Ming dynasty (1368-1644 AD), the mallet vase reached the peak of its popularity, and it became one of the most highly prized and collectible forms of Chinese ceramics.

Ming dynasty mallet vases were typically made of porcelain and decorated with intricate designs using cobalt blue underglaze more... or polychrome enamel overglaze. The designs often featured dragons, phoenixes, floral motifs, and scenes from literature and mythology.

During the Qing dynasty (1644-1912 AD), the mallet vase continued to be produced, but it was not as popular as it had been in previous dynasties. Qing dynasty mallet vases were typically decorated with more restrained designs and were often used for display rather than for practical purposes.