A Large Qing Dynasty Sang de Boeuf Vase

A large scale sang de boeuf vase of baluster form.

The name ‘sang de boeuf’ refers to the colour of this vase. The difficult manufacturing process of this hue, achieved through oxidising iron and copper, was first recorded in China between the 11th and 13th centuries. European ceramic producers were unable to replicate the lengthy firing process involved in the production of sang de boeuf wares, allowing China a monopoly on their manufacture until the 20th century.