Concentric Ring Base Monochromes

[rpfstoneman]

Monochrome porcelains and biscuit-fired wares of the Qing period are relatively uniform throughout, and can therefore be treated together – not separately by reign, as opposed to the polychrome porcelains, where each reign has its inherent character.  The key to the beauty of these pieces, much appreciated in both China and Europe at that time, lies in their technical accomplishment, in the brilliance and finesse of the colors, and the quality and texture of the glaze.  All the glazes and enamels are vitrified coverings based on various elements (copper, iron, lead, manganese oxide, etc.), and are best classified according to the firing temperature [Source: Irv Graham, Chinese Antique Valuation and Appraisals, UK].

The following is one of a number of concentric ring base monochromes bottles in my collection that will be shared as I catalog them.

Black Monochrome Glazed Snuff Bottle:
An earthenware snuff bottle of elongated pear shaped with a gold speckled monochrome black glaze.  Cylinder form with circular raise footrim and 8 concentric ring base.  Carnelian stopper with green stained ivory collar and simple spade shape ivory spoon.  Height is 6.2 cm without stopper.
 
Glaze: Mirror Black

Period: ca. 19th century

Condition: Very good.

Provenance:  Bob Lee, Jin Hing & Co.
                      Ex. Agatha & Irv Aronson Collection

Date Acquired: 11/04/2016

Follow-up Information:  Black is applied over a porcelain glaze and on biscuit-fired pieces.  Its sheen reached such a peak of perfection under Kangxi that it was termed “Mirror Black”.  It is obtained by mixing iron oxide and manganese rich in cobalt.  Many coats were needed to obtain the density giving this incomparable effect of depth.  It was sometimes adorned with gold motifs or appliques in a muffle kiln, though they have generally disappeared.  In the Qing period, this decorating was applied with gold powder whereas in the Ming Period gold leaf was used.  In the Qianlong period, the black has a brown sheen, particularly visible round the mouths of vases, loses its brilliance and has more of a mat appearance.  Shapes are classical: rouleau vases, stem-cups, big-bellied jars with lids, bitong brush holders.

Charll

[George]

Great bottle and as usual a very precise and educational description.

[bambooforrest]

Charll, I really like your bottle. My one example [77mm] has a reddish/brown color but a very deep glaze. From an auction in 2010.

[Fiveroosters aka clayandbrush]

Dear Charll, isn't it teadust glaze? It looks teadust to me, as I do not see the black mirror, but it can be matter of pictures.
Kind regards
Giovanni

[rpfstoneman]

Giovanni,

You could be correct.  The glaze under natural light is black.  It has gold, or gold like, specking when looked at with a loop and held under a bright light.  I was thinking it was a black tea dust, which may be the better term, but upon a literature review it matched the description of later Qing period mirror black glazes.  So I went with the mirror black description as indicated by the underlined text.

Charll 

[Joey Silver / Si Zhouyi 義周司]

Charll,
   
    A stunning bottle and wonderful description.

John,

   Your bottle is a beauty as well.
Best,
Joey