A fine and small robin’s egg glazed baluster vase. 18th century

Advances in technology and experimentation at the Imperial kilns during the 18th century led to the introduction of various new intriguing monochrome glazes. Innovated during the Yongzheng period (1723-35) and particularly favored by the Qianlong Emperor, the ‘robin’s egg’ glaze was created as a reinterpretation of Jun glazes of the Song (960-1279) and Ming (1368-1644) dynasties. A development attributable to Tang Ying (1682-1756), the glaze was coined lujun, or ‘furnace Jun’ because it was fired at a lower temperature than that of firing the porcelain.

This glaze is mentioned on a stele inscribed by Tang Ying in Jingdezhen as one of the major types of ceramics that he succeeded in firing and proposed as suitable for regular delivery to the imperial court. The mottled turquoise effect on the present vase achieved with the use of copper and arsenic, the shade is of an attractively vivid light turquoise blue

Although the production of ‘robin’s egg’ glaze lasted till the end of the Qing dynasty, the finest pieces were created in the 18th century. According to the archival records of the imperial household, vases with this glaze were often displayed in the rooms on matching zitan wood stands.

The small size of the current vase is reminiscent of the appreciation of miniature works of art during the 18th century and reflects the Qianlong emperor’s tastes.