A 19th Century Qing Dynasty Blue and White Porcelain Crocus Vase

A late 19th century blue and white porcelain crocus vase, the hollow stem above a body of gourd form, having six openings, the whole decorated with foliate motifs.

Modelled like five adjoining Chinese baluster vases, this crocus vase is typically decorated with stylised foliage in blue and white glazes. The form is also known as a tulip vase. Such pieces were made for the Dutch market and adorned the grandest rooms in noble and wealthy merchant houses as vessels for rare and exotic flowers.

Slight restoration to body.

Qing Dynasty, Gungxu Period (1875 – 1908)