Qingbai porcelain cosmetic box

A porcelain box consisting of three interlinked cylindrical containers.  The three domed covers are crowned by an elaborate finial, consisting of a central large lotus flower, from which sprout multiple stalks to which are attached further, smaller flowers and partially folded leaves.  The exterior of the box and the interior of the vessels are covered in a glaze of pale greenish-blue hue.  The interior of the covers and the rims of the vessels are unglazed, exposing the finely grained white ware.  The base of the vessel is also unglazed, and displays characteristic black firing marks.

•  This small vessel with its complex arrangement of stalks and leaves on top was no doubt intended to be used by a lady for cosmetics. Although circular or lobed boxes containing three small trays linked by stalks are well known in yingqing porcelain, it is uncommon to find this type of linked vessel.  A closely related box with a Yue celadon glaze is in the collection of the Museum of East Asian Art in Bath.1   Referring to the this box, McElney states that “Similar boxes, but with a yingqing glaze, have been found at the Chaozhou kiln in northern Guangdong Province”.2

1. McElney, B.S. The Museum of East Asian Art Inaugural Exhibition, Volume 1, Ceramics, Bath, 1993, no. 49, p. 87
2. McElney, B.S. op. cit.  p. 87