Fish Motif Vase Appraisal

Hexagonal Blue and White Fish Motif Porcelain Vase

This exquisite item is a hexagonal porcelain vase, characterized by its vibrant blue and white underglaze decoration. The primary visual motif features stylized fish, possibly carp or koi, swimming amidst aquatic plants or floral elements, consistent with traditional Asian artistry. The blue coloration exhibits variations in intensity, suggesting skillful application and shading, adding depth and dimension to the design. The vase has distinct, crisp edges outlining its hexagonal form, indicative of precise craftsmanship. The base of the vase is unglazed around the rim, revealing the natural ceramic material, which appears to be a light beige or off-white clay, suggesting it might be stoneware or a similar high-fired ceramic. The interior of the base, however, is glazed a pale celadon or light green hue, providing a subtle contrast to the exterior. A prominent feature is a blue square seal mark on the base, containing illegible (from the image) calligraphic characters, which traditionally denote the reign period, dynasty, or individual artist/kiln. The presence of this mark is a significant indicator of potential origin and age. There are no immediately apparent cracks, chips, or major repairs; however, the unglazed foot rim shows some minor wear and discoloration consistent with age and typical handling, which could be considered a natural patina. The overall impression is one of high-quality craftsmanship, with well-executed hand-painted details and a robust, well-formed body, possibly dating from the late 19th to mid-20th century, depending on the interpretation of the mark.