There is a point at which art can become practical and we illistrate this with a rare, early 18th century jar and cover as a lamp.
This little jar and cover was produced at the famous Imperial kilns at Jingdezhen in Chinas Jiangxi Province. The major output of the kilns was to supply porcelains of fine quality for the Emperor, the Imperial family and the court circles.
"A very fine and early, 18th century Chinese Yongzhen period jar and cover as a table lamp. The jar and cover enamelled in a very pretty, harmonious combination of pastel colours. The Yongzhen reign is renowned for this pastel palette and this is a very lovely example.
Both sides of the jar with white reserves very delicately painted with Chinese antiques, flower filled vases, Buddhist text, an altar offering of a large fruit filled dish and a smoking sensor in a butter yellow. The ground of the jar and cover decorated with a formal floreat design. The ground, pale mauve, the floreat design, a pastel lime green. The rim and base of the jar with a segmented border in pastel lemon and sky blue.
The decorative pastel palette of enamels including orange, turquoise, green and touches of red. The low drum shaped cover of the same style. The decoration of this jar and cover of Imperial quality. The jar and cover on a turned maple wood stand, water gilded. As this jar and cover is free standing, it can be removed from the stand at any time."
The jar and cover in perfect condition." Circa 1723-1735
Overall height (including shade) 17"/43cm
Most of what we know about this "porcelain city" comes to us from the letters of Pere d'Entrecolle, a French Jesuit missionary who travelled to China at the end of the 17th century. He detailed what he saw in a long series of letters written between 1712-1722.
He described in detail the vast factory and kilns at Jingdezhen.
He tells us of how the "kilns roared all night and how the town was illuminated by the flames from the vast number of ovens".
This enormous Imperial production was ultimately overseen by the Emperor, Yongzhen, who ruled from the dragon throne from 1723 until his death in 1735.
The Yongzhen Emperor was the first true art-lover from among the long Qing dynasty of Manchu rulers. He passionately cared for and lived with works of art.
The Emperor knew many of his artisans by name and it is well known that he rewarded creations that he considered outstanding.
The Yongzhen reign is attributed with the development of a wide range of pastel colours (or enamels, when referring to ceramics). It is this delicate palette of colours which decorate our subject.
This style of lamp has, of course, a rather impressive list of benefits:-
1. A functional table lamp.
2. An antique work of art, complete with it's original low drum shaped cover, even 270 years later!
3. An asset which will continue to add to its value.
4. A constant visual pleasure.
5. Table lamps are not meant to illuminate a room as per overhead lighting, but are selectively placed to provide a softer pool of light accentuating and complimenting the décor and "feeling" of a room.
The Antique & Vintage Table Lamp Co specialise in antique table lamp lighting with an on-line range of over 100 unique, antique and vintage lamps on view.
Lamps are shipped ready wired for the U.S, the U.K and Australia.
You are invited to visit their web site at www.antiquelampshop.com
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