Large Antique Chinese Sang-de-Boeuf LangYao Red Vase

A large Chinese vase with Sang-de-Boeuf (oxblood) glaze in a classic baluster form with a tall narrow neck and horizontal bands around the shoulder. The oxblood glaze is known as Langyao Red in Chinese. It is a copper based glaze originated in Ming dynasty before it nearly disappeared. It was later revived during Qing dynasty by the imperial court and reached the peak of its quality circa 17th-18th century. This vase is of an impressive size and harmonious proportion, potted on the thicker and heavy side. The red glaze is rather peculiar in terms of its transition from a thin near white appearance around the mouth to a brilliant red along the neck and shoulder, then onto a much darker mottled glaze with surface pooling texture on the main body. Some subtle crackles are visible on the upper part of the vase and the base has a celadon glaze with a green tint. This effect was likely due to the kiln accident when light dust adhered to the lower portion. Langyao ware was notorious for the difficult firing process to achieve the perfection, The "accident" however, rendered this piece interesting with a wabi-sabi effect. We estimated its age to be late Qing dynasty toward the end of the 19th century, although the slight green tint on the base glaze is an indicator of older pieces. An old paper sticker remained showing an inventory number and price.