Blue & White Porcelain Bottles

[richy88]

Hi John & all

The inscription on this bottle is "The Preface of a Tribute to Prince Teng's Tower" (滕王阁序) written by Wang Bo (王勃) from the Tang Dynasty.

This tower was built in Nanchang, which was the capital city of Yuzhang Prefecture during the Han Dynasty. Today, it still stands as a popular tourist spot in Nanchang City in Jiangxi Province.

It was built under the order of Prince Teng, Li Ying (滕王李元婴) who was the youngest son of the founding emperor of the Tang Dynasty, Li Yuan (李渊). The building was constructed solely for his enjoyment. Wang Bo was asked to write the preface during the feast celebrating its completion on the ninth month of that year. This preface was considered one of the best articles ever written during the Tang Dynasty.

It is considered one of the three most famous towers in China and has been restored many times due to damage caused by fire, natural hazards, and war.

I believed there is a three-character inscription Teng Wang Ge (滕王阁) on the top of the bottle below the neck.

For your reference.

Regards.


Richard

[bambooforrest]

Richard, your knowledge of Chinese history and literature amazes me! I will take a picture of the neck to confirm.

[George]

Richard, your knowledge of Chinese history and literature amazes me!

Me too !!

[bambooforrest]

Richard, the autofocus centered on the rim. I hope you can see the characters. It looks like a leaf on the lower right.....John

[richy88]

Hi John

Thanks for the photo.

Yes, I can see the inscription, Teng Wang Ge Xu (滕王阁序), the title of the inscription below. The other symbol is a leaf.

Here is a photo of this tower in China today.

Regards.


Richard

[avalata]

This is an interesting flattened double gourd shaped bottle, about 6.7 cm high without the (replacement) top/spoon.  It appears to be hand painted in underglaze blue and the few red spots also appear to be underglaze.  It seems likely it is a relatively modern piece, but I really don't know.  Marked with a hand-drawn two-character mark to the bottom - the marks (珍玩) appear to translate "zhēnwán" as which can be read as 'for Precious Enjoyment.'

[bambooforrest]

Cliff, most certainly modern.

[avalata]

Thanks!  I thought likely so given the lack of wear and careless use of red.