Blue-glazed Elephant-Handled Cong Vase, Daoguang Period

A blue-glazed 'Cong' vase seal mark and period of Daoguang of square section rising from a short tapering foot and surmounted by a short circular neck, the rectangular body set on opposite sides with elephant-head handles suspending fixed rings, covered overall with a rich lavender-blue glaze thinning to a paler tone around the edges, the base inscribed with a six-character seal mark in underglaze blue, 29.4 cm. Provenance: Acquired in Beijing during the early 1970s (by repute). By descent This vase is inspired by neolithic jade of square form with hollowed cylindrical interior; a form rendered from the most highly valued medium and of great symbolic significance. From its inception the cong has been repeatedly reprised, particularly during the Qing dynasty demonstrating the court's fascination and reverence for archaic material and inspiring artists at Jingdezhen to recreate the ancient form in fine porcelain