Quadrangular vase with phoenix and dragon decoration

Vietnam, Bát Tràng kilns, 17th-18th century
Stoneware with a slightly celadon-glazed cream slip

Large Vietnamese stoneware vase, with a globular body, circular foot and tall quadrangular neck. The square opening, bordered by a thick lip, gives the piece a powerful and architectural silhouette.

The slip is cream, slightly celadon-glazed, applied over a very light cream clay. It is covered with a network of fine crazing, characteristic of this type of ceramic. The surface retains a beautiful material softness, with only very small, minimal scratches related to the nature of the slip.

The body is decorated in relief with stylized phoenixes. Their plumage, wings and long tails are treated with modelled masses underglaze. The decoration remains legible and lively, without graphic dryness.

The neck features an alternating decoration of dragons and archaistic motifs. The dragons occupy the main panels. They are associated with palmettes and linear motifs inspired by ancient Chinese repertoire, here reinterpreted in a Vietnamese production from the Bát Tràng kilns.

The base shows brown traces of use. They are not inherent to the paste or the slip. The underside retains a trace of a mark, now undecipherable.

Very good condition. No accidents. Very slight surface scratches, minimal and consistent with this type of ceramic.

Dimensions: height 34 cm, diameter 15 cm.